Today we want to talk to you about the Bonarda grape. Bonarda is derived from the Corbeau Noir variety in France and is the second most commonly planted red variety after Malbec in Argentina. This land has today more than 18,000 hectares planted. It can be said that, given the enormous development it has undergone in Argentina, this variety deserves the name “Bonarda Argentina”, with its own distinctive characteristics that have little to do with its French origin.
It is a grape that produces powerful wines with lots of colour and very aromatic, but with softer and more moderate tannins. Its characteristics make it ideal for ageing in barrels. In general, Bonarda wines have a moderate alcohol content.
It is a grape with a very high yield, so it was used in Argentina for many years to make more massive wines, until the most important winemakers of this country began to see in it a wonderful potential for making mono varietal wines.
This vine adapts very well to hot regions, which is why 60% of its plantation is located in the province of Mendoza, mainly in the eastern zone. In any case, many winegrowers produce their Bonarda wine in areas with different climatic characteristics, also achieving excellent results. In cuvée wines, Bonarda is the ideal companion to Malbec.
What kind of aromas do Bonarda wines offer? Balsamic, laurel or subtle notes of aniseed. Also blackberries, strawberries, cherries and rose hips.
Argentina is much more than Malbec, and the Bonarda is an excellent opportunity to prove it.
Never tried a Bonarda from Argentina? It’s time to do it!
