Bonarda is a grape native to northwest Italy, in the Novara region, where it typically is blended with Nebbiolo (Spanna) in several of the DOC wines of the area (like Ghemme, Boca, Fara, etc.). On its own there, it's no great shakes, but in the Mendoza region of Argentina it seems to have more character. This one is a very good, flavor-filled everynight dinner wine, and an excellent value.Very vivid, dark ruby/violet. Vivacious nose of tangy plum and mixed berry fruit, along with loads of chalky rock dust and a high-toned smoky component. Richly-fruited in the mouth, yet with a vibrancy that buoys up its full-bodied frame. Loads of rich, earthy, dry dark berry fruit fills the mouth, and leads to a long, clean, clingy finish with some noticeable but soft tannin. Not super complex, but very satisfying. B+. Will go with lots of pastas and Italian meat dishes, stews, and braises. Was $11 and change at Spec's on Smith.
UPDATE (11/28/11): I just read somewhere that Argentine Bonarda is NOT the same thing as the Bonarda grown in the Novara region of Italy, but, in fact, is the Charbono grape native to the Savoie region of France. Well, I guess that would explain why Argentine Bonarda tastes and feels very different from its Italian namesake.
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