Bonarda

See Bonarda Wine section in Anuva Wine Store.

Italian origin of Bonarda

Originally an Italian grape hailing from the Piedmont, Oltrepo-Pavese, and Lombardy regions of Italy, Bonarda has been widely planted in Argentina representing approximately 18% of the grape species that comprise Argentina’s vineyards. The name Bonarda probably comes from the Italian word buono, meaning “good.” Like Malbec, Bonarda flourishes more in Argentina than its original home in Europe. Though Bonarda is an Italian varietal, many Italian vineyards prefer to grow Barbera over Bonarda, as Barbera thrives in Italy.

Bonarda in Argentina

After Malbec, Bonarda is the second most produced red wine in Argentina. Argentinean Bonarda has high yields, but winemakers have discovered that Bonarda’s high yields do not compromise its rich, intense taste. Not to be confused with Bonarda Piemontese, the Argentinean Bonarda grape is a slightly mutated form of the Italian Bonarda grapes. Argentina’s Bonarda wine varietals grow mainly in Mendoza, notably the San Rafael region of Mendoza, and in San Juan all totaling to 14,975 hectares of vines. Bonarda requires warm climates with plenty of sunlight and soils consisting of a sand-clay mixture, characteristics which Mendoza possesses. Bonarda grapes are usually harvested last in most Argentinean vineyards due to their late ripening.

Typicity

A deep inky color bursting with cherry and plum flavors, Bonarda exhibits a ripe juiciness, medium acidity, and can combine well with many different types of foods.  When aged in oak barrels, Bonarda wines can also reveal raisin, tobacco, and fig flavors. Bonarda pairs well with grilled meat, vegetables, and many cheeses.

tags: bonarda ·