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 keeping the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too plain or too simple.
- You said you like the rich, ripe dark fruit and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- 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.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy 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 fresher, and lighter.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
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 more savoury.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco 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.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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.
Corvinone
Corvinone 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 fresher.
Trincadeira
Trincadeira scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
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.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
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 more savoury, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.