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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.

I like…

The rich dark fruit

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too tart or sour-fruited too soft or too easy too heavy too plain or too simple too austere

Clear all

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 heavy.

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.

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.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less heavy.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less heavy.

Tibouren

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less heavy.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less heavy.

Colorino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less heavy.

Rondinella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less heavy.

Canaiolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less heavy.

Red Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less heavy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Tibouren

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Tibouren

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

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.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Red Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Colorino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

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 more herbal and green, and earthier.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Tibouren

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

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.

Super Tuscan

Super Tuscan scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot 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.

Barbera d’Alba

Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Verdicchio

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Xarel·lo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Altesse

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

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 more fruit-driven, and less oaky.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.

Dão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.

Etna Rosso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Red Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Loire Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.

Areni

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.

Chianti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Malbec

curated

Argentina’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 more savoury.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Crémant

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and less tannic and softer.

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 more fruit-driven, and less oaky.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Portugieser

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

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.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Tibouren

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.

Colorino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

Rondinella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.

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 more savoury.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

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 more herbal and green, and earthier.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Gamay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.

Silvaner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.

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 more herbal and green, and earthier.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Gamay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Red Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

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 more herbal and green, and more floral.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Red Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

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.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 more herbal and green, and earthier.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Red Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Cru Beaujolais

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Tibouren

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.

Colorino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

Rondinella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.

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.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Tibouren

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.

Colorino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

Rondinella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.

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.

Argentine Malbec

Both come from the same country.

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.

How these are chosen

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.