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 heavy.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less heavy.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less heavy.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less heavy.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less heavy.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less heavy.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less heavy.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less heavy.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- 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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
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.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
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.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
McLaren Vale Shiraz scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Avesso
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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less oaky.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Areni
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
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
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 stiller, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and sweeter.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more sparkling.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and sweeter.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
País
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
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 more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.