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 jammy or sweet-tasting, too plain or too simple and too tart or sour-fruited.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 fresher.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc 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.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese 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.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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 Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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.
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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel 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.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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 fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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.