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.
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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 jammy or sweet-tasting and too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the rich, ripe dark fruit and that it is too jammy or sweet-tasting. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the rich, ripe dark fruit and that it is too jammy or sweet-tasting. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- 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.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- 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.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
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 lighter, and fresher.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Colorino
Colorino 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 fresher.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo 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 fruitier.
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
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 lighter.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
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 lighter, and fresher.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Rioja
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.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Nero d’Avola
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.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Nero d’Avola
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
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.