Dona Paula Red Blends
Mendoza Malbec blends, poured in Commack for three decades.
The story behind Dona Paula
Dona Paula was founded in 1997 by Ricardo Claro, the Chilean businessman behind Viña Santa Rita, on estate land in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. The fruit comes entirely from four estate properties: El Alto in Luján de Cuyo, Aluvia in Gualtallary, Los Indios in El Cepillo, and Los Cerezos in the Uco Valley. High altitude, alluvial soils, cold nights.
The blends lean on Malbec, then build structure with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Bonarda, Tannat and Cabernet Franc. Everything is certified gluten free, vegan and vegetarian. Winemaker Martín Kaiser was named Viticulturist of the Year in Tim Atkin MW's 2020 Argentina report, and the Altitude Series 969 took Gold and 95 points at Decanter 2023.
Explore the Dona Paula range
Four bottlings we keep on the shelf, from a ten dollar weeknight pour up to the estate Malbec. All Mendoza, all estate fruit.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Cardos Red | Malbec blend | 13.0% to 14.1% ABV | Juicy plum, soft tannin, easy weeknight pour |
| Malbec Paula | Malbec blend | 13.0% to 14.1% ABV | Dark cherry, cocoa, gentle oak, rounded finish |
| Smoked Red Blend | Malbec, Cabernet, Bonarda | 13.0% to 14.0% ABV | Smoked barrel aging, asado char, black fruit |
| Dona Paula Malbec | Malbec | 13.5% to 14.0% ABV | Concentrated blackberry, violet, firm structure |
| Altitude Series 1350 | Cabernet Franc, Malbec | 14.0% ABV | High altitude lift, herbal edge, fine tannin |
Which Dona Paula is right for you?
Pricing here starts at $9.99 for the Los Cardos Red and $10.99 for the Malbec Paula, which is where most people begin. The Smoked Red Blend runs $13.99, and the estate Dona Paula Malbec sits at $35.99 for the nights that call for more. You can buy Dona Paula online and pick it up curbside in Commack at no charge, or take free local delivery on orders over $250. Same day or next day delivery covers Nassau and Suffolk.
Ten dollar bottle that handles pizza, pasta and a Tuesday.
Smoked barrel aging mirrors asado char on ribs and steak.
Estate Malbec with structure that rewards a few years down.
Dona Paula cocktails and pairings
Serve these slightly cool, 60 to 65 degrees, to keep the fruit fresh and the alcohol in check.