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 plain or too simple, too tart or sour-fruited and too soft or too easy.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
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.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro 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 less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
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 less tannic and softer, 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
Broad-leaved Melnik scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Colorino
Colorino scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Nero di Troia
Nero di Troia scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
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.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
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 less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less 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.