Bonarda

Bonarda is one of those grapes that prompts much confusion in consumers and experts alike. In northern Italy's region of Piedmont, Bonarda goes by the name Bonarda Piemontese and is believed to be the original form of the grape. In its Piedmont form, it is often blended with Nebbiolo and Croatina to create the DOCG wines Gattinara and Ghemme. In Argentina, Bonarda is also produced and is second to Malbec in the country's vineyard acreage. However, Argentinian Bonarda's roots remain uncertain. There are theories that Argentinian Bonarda is actually California's Charbono, which in turn could be related to Italy's Dolcetto. When vinified, Argentinian Bonarda can produce a range of styles. It can be a light-bodied wine with cherry and plum flavors, light tannins and moderate acidity; or, if produced from old vines, it can be full bodied with dense tannins, a prune-like concentration and oak tones. To find out more about Bonarda, be sure to check out our Bonarda Buying Guide.

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Trapiche 2004 Broquel Bonarda (Mendoza)

Best Buy

Price $15

It’s not often that Bonarda makes a point, but this new one from Trapiche’s Broquel label is exemplary. The bouquet pumps out mint, tobacco, black cherry and toasted oak, while the blackberry-drenched palate is pure pleasure. With a steak, this is a sure bet. And it won’t break the bank. — M.S. (11/1/2006)

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Nieto Senetiner 2003 Limited Edition Bonarda (Mendoza)

Editors' Choice

Price $22

If you like a burly, colorful red with a ton of fruit, oak and power, then give this Argentinean bruiser a try. The nose exudes warm aromas of tight-grained oak and berry compote, while the massive palate hits like a ton of bricks on the way to a chocolaty, tannic tail. Some may say it’s overdone, but if you’ve tried more than a few Bonarda you’ll peg this as the… — M.S. (2/1/2007)

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Dolce Stefania 2007 Bonarda (Mendoza)

Best Buy

Price $10

Chocolaty and malty to start with, then more meaty, rubbery and traditional on the nose. The palate is round and just right in feel, while the palate is meaty, layered and savory, with juicy acidity and savory undercurrents. Cutting and food-friendly, and very well-made for a $10 wine. — M.S. (12/31/2010)

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Trapiche 2008 Broquel Bonarda (Mendoza)

Price $17

Round, thick and pulsing, but not too hard, angular or tannic. The nose brings richness, smoke and black fruits, while the palate is juicy, focused and forward, with black-fruit flavor galore and a slight creamy character. Drying and toasty on the finish, with snappy acidity through the final drop. — M.S. (12/31/2010)

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Nieto Senetiner 2008 Limited Edition Reserva Bonarda (Mendoza)

Price $28

Bold and packed to the gills with black fruit, well-applied oak and rubbery, fresh tannins. As Bonarda goes, this is a clear winner; it’s blowsy and ribald on the nose, with tons of black fruit, coconut and mocha. The palate is firm but not overly hard, with fig, black plum and length to the finish. Drink now through 2012. — M.S. (3/1/2011)

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Zuccardi 2009 Emma Bonarda (Mendoza)

Price $32

Black cherry and wild berry aromas are tight and don’t stray much from center stage. The palate is layered, fresh and spunky, with flavors that match the bouquet in that cherry, wild berry and plum run the show. Toasty and chocolaty on the finish, with a rock-solid feel and bright fruit flavors that don’t quit. — M.S. (11/1/2011)

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Zuccardi 2009 Serie A Bonarda (Mendoza)

Best Buy

Price $15

Deep, compact and rich on the nose, with a big dose of ripe berry aromas. The palate is healthy and blends a beefy, muscular body with balancing acids and firm but ripe tannins. Tastes pretty and sweet, like blackberry or plum pie. Chewy and chocolaty on the finish; overall it’s a winner. — M.S. (5/1/2011)

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Trapiche 2005 Broquel Bonarda (Mendoza)

Price $15

Rustic yet complete, with dark, sweet aromas of toasted coconut, mint and berry syrup. The palate is juicy and balanced, and that’s really the key in distinguishing the top Bonardas from the more frequently found hard and scouring ones. In our book, Broquel is a Bonarda you can count on. — M.S. (12/31/2007)

Most Reviewed Regions

Argentina Italy

Most Reviewed Wineries

Alamos Alma del Sur Argento Chakana Cruz Alta Gardel Las Moras Nieto Senetiner Sur de los Andes Trapiche Zolo Zuccardi

2010 Center of Effort

A big, strong Pinot with pure, focused flavors of raspberry cream…

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