If you like this, try…
Wines like Bonarda
Argentina’s second most planted red, producing soft, juicy, dark-fruited wines. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Bonarda?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something moving away from too austere, too tart or sour-fruited, too soft or too easy and too plain or too simple.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Corvinone
Corvinone scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.