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 and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Malbec
curatedArgentina’s other red, sharing dark fruit and plush texture.
Expect: More structured and floral, and better known.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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 less oaky.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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 less oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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 more fruit-driven.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 less oaky.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Bonarda across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
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 fuller and richer.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.