Bonarda
Bonarda is primarily associated with Argentina, where it's the second most planted red grape variety after Malbec, though it originated in Italy's Piedmont region (where it's known as Douce Noire). This medium to full-bodied red grape produces wines with bright acidity, moderate tannins, and flavors of dark fruits, plum, and earthy notes, often with a slight rustic quality. Bonarda thrives in warm climates with ample sunshine, typically producing fruity, accessible wines that can range from simple everyday drinking styles to more complex, oak-aged expressions.
Bonarda Wines
Belasco Llama Bonarda/Malbec Old Vine
Argentina may be famous for its Malbec, but this blend from Belasco de Baquedano proves that Bonarda deserves just as much attention. The 'Llama' series celebrates Argentina's iconic Andean animal – a fitting symbol for wines that express the unique high-altitude terroir of Mendoza with such distinctive character. This blend combines old vine Bonarda (Argentina's second most planted red grape) with Malbec, creating a wine with remarkable depth and complexity. The 'old vine' designation is important here – these mature vines produce fewer grapes but with much more concentrated flavor. Belasco de Baquedano's vineyards sit at over 3,000 feet elevation, where intense sunlight and cool nights create perfect conditions for developing rich flavor while maintaining freshness. The result is a wine that offers immediate pleasure with its generous fruit but keeps you coming back to discover new layers of complexity. Perfect for those looking to explore beyond basic Malbec into Argentina's broader wine landscape.
Via Rev Bonarda Pura
While Malbec gets all the Argentine fame, those in the know have a soft spot for Bonarda – the country's second most planted red grape that delivers tremendous bang for the buck. Via Rev's 'Pura' version showcases this unsung hero in all its unadulterated glory. This isn't a wine trying to be something it's not – there's no heavy oak treatment or winemaking gymnastics, just pure, joyful fruit expression. The name 'Pura' is fitting – it's a pure, honest expression of Bonarda's natural charm. Via Rev is part of Argentina's exciting new wave of producers focused on drinkability and authenticity rather than power and extraction. The result is a wine that's seriously good without taking itself too seriously.