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 tart or sour-fruited, too heavy and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Malbec
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Chianti
Chianti scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Etna Rosso
Etna Rosso scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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 fuller and richer, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
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 fresher, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
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 fuller and richer.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.