Bonarda

Quick Facts

Berry Color: Blue-black
Skin Thickness: Medium
Ripening: Mid to late season
Identity: Multiple varieties share this name
Argentine Bonarda: = Croatina (from Italy)
Piedmont Bonarda: = Bonarda Piemontese (different variety)

Overview

“Bonarda” is one of wine’s most confusing names, referring to at least three distinct grape varieties depending on region. In Argentina, Bonarda (actually Croatina from Italy) is the country’s second most planted red grape after Malbec, producing soft, fruity wines. In Piedmont, Bonarda Piemontese is a minor local variety, while in Lombardy’s Oltrepò Pavese, Croatina is also called Bonarda. For enologists, understanding Bonarda requires navigating this nomenclature confusion while recognizing that Argentine Bonarda (Croatina) has become an important variety in its own right.

The Identity Question

Argentine Bonarda

True Identity: Croatina (Italian variety from Oltrepò Pavese)

Status: Second most planted red in Argentina

Confusion: Long thought to be Italian Bonarda

DNA Confirmation: Croatina confirmed

Italian Bonarda Piemontese

Identity: True Bonarda; different variety

Status: Minor Piedmont variety

Relation: Unrelated to Croatina

Oltrepò Pavese “Bonarda”

Identity: Also Croatina

Local Name: Called Bonarda locally

Same as: Argentine Bonarda

Etymology and History

Name Origins

Bonarda: From Piedmontese dialect; meaning unclear

Croatina: From Croatian origin (disputed)

Argentine History

Introduced 19th century (with Italian immigration)
Misidentified as “Bonarda”
Became major variety
DNA revealed Croatina identity
Name retained for market continuity

Italian Context

True Bonarda: Minor Piedmont variety

Croatina: Important in Oltrepò; Emilia-Romagna

Viticulture (Croatina/Argentine Bonarda)

Vine Characteristics

Growth Habit: Vigorous

Leaf Shape: Large; five-lobed

Cluster: Large; compact

Berry: Medium; blue-black

Growing Requirements

Climate: Warm; adapted to Mendoza

Soil Preference: Various; adaptable

Training: Various systems

Yield: High; requires control

Phenological Stages

Stage	Timing (Argentina)
Bud break	September
Flowering	November
Véraison	January
Harvest	March-April

Wine Profile (Argentine Bonarda)

Appearance

Color: Deep purple-ruby
Intensity: Deep; youthful

Aromatic Profile

Primary Aromas:

Red and dark fruits (cherry, plum, blackberry)
Floral hints (violet)
Spice (light pepper)

Character: Fruit-forward; soft; approachable

Palate Characteristics

Structure:

Medium to full body
Soft tannins
Moderate acidity
Fruit-forward

Texture: Plush; round; easy-drinking

Finish: Medium; fruity; accessible

Regional Expressions

Argentina (Mendoza)

Status: #2 red variety (after Malbec)

Area: ~18,000 hectares

Style: Soft; fruity; everyday

Quality Range: Entry to premium

Italy (Oltrepò Pavese)

As Croatina: Important local variety

Blends: Often with Barbera, others

Style: Fresh; fruity to tannic

Italy (Piedmont)

True Bonarda: Very limited

Status: Minor; curiosity

Winemaking Considerations

Fermentation

Temperature: Moderate (22-26°C)

Duration: Standard

Vessel: Stainless steel typical

Goal: Fruit preservation; soft tannins

Style Options

Fresh/Young:

Short maceration
No oak
Early release

Structured:

Extended maceration
Some oak aging
More serious style

Argentine Approach

Typical: Fruit-forward; accessible

Premium: Oak-aged; more structured

Blend Partner: Sometimes with Malbec

Food Pairing

Argentine Matches

Cuisine:

Empanadas
Asado (grilled meats)
Pasta
Pizza

Character: Versatile; easy

Temperature

Serving: Slightly chilled (15-17°C)

Key Producers

Argentina

Alamos (Catena): Quality entry

Luigi Bosca: Quality range

Zuccardi: Quality producer

Nieto Senetiner: Reliable quality

Italy (Oltrepò)

Various local producers

Market Position

Argentine Production

Plantings: ~18,000 hectares

Ranking: Second red variety

Trend: Stable; value category

Pricing

Level	Price (€/USD)
Entry	€5-10 / $6-12
Quality	€10-18 / $12-22
Premium	€18-30 / $22-35

Market Role

Argentina: Value red; everyday wine

Challenge: Malbec dominance

Opportunity: Distinctive; value positioning

Comparison

Argentine Bonarda vs. Malbec

Characteristic	Bonarda	Malbec
Body	Medium-full	Full
Tannin	Soft	Medium
Color	Deep	Deep-opaque
Character	Fruity, soft	Plummy, structured
Aging	Short	Medium-long

The Name Problem

Confusion Issues

Consumer: Unclear what “Bonarda” means

Identity: Different varieties same name

Marketing: Challenging to position

Resolution

Argentina: Kept “Bonarda” for market

Science: DNA confirmed Croatina identity

Practice: Name persists; variety understood

Conclusion

Bonarda represents one of wine’s most confusing nomenclature situations, with the same name applied to distinct varieties across different regions. For enologists, understanding Bonarda requires recognizing that Argentine Bonarda (actually Croatina) has become an important variety producing soft, fruity wines that complement Argentina’s dominant Malbec. While the name confusion persists, Argentine Bonarda offers value and accessibility that has secured its position as the country’s second most planted red variety. Whether called Bonarda, Croatina, or by local names, this adaptable variety produces approachable wines perfect for everyday enjoyment.

References

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
Wines of Argentina. Official Documentation.
VIVC Database. Variety Information.

Last updated: January 13, 2026