The grape that wasn't who everyone thought it was
Argentina's second most planted red — mistaken identity, quietly brilliant, extraordinary value. The wine hiding in Malbec's shadow.
For 150 years, they called it Bonarda. Then a DNA test proved them all wrong.
Argentina's second most planted red grape turns out to be a French variety from the Alps — with a stolen name, a tangled past, and a quietly brilliant character that's been overlooked since Malbec got famous. This is the full story: who it really is, what it tastes like, and why it may be the best-value red in your wine shop right now.
It isn't Bonarda. It never was.
The grape Argentina calls Bonarda is actually Douce Noir — a French variety from the Savoie region of the Alps, also known as Corbeau in France and Charbono in California. Italian immigrants brought it to Mendoza in the 19th century alongside the real Italian Bonarda, and somewhere in the chaos of building a wine industry in a new country, the names got tangled. For over a century, nobody questioned it.
Then in 2008, DNA analysis confirmed the mix-up. Argentina officially adopted the name "Bonarda Argentina" to acknowledge it was something else entirely. Far from embarrassing the wine, the story gave it its own identity — separate from anything Italian or French, a grape that belongs to Mendoza and San Juan by history if not by birth.
The wine itself rewards the curiosity. It is juicy, deeply coloured, low in tannin, and approachable in a way that Malbec sometimes isn't. At its best, it is the red you pour when you want something honest and generous without fuss.
Explore the full guide
Chapter 01
The Underdog
The DNA test, the misidentification, and why a French grape became Argentina's second red.
Chapter 02
Style & Taste
Deep purple, black cherry, violet — and surprisingly soft. What to expect in the glass.
Chapter 03
Pairings
One of the most food-friendly reds in Argentina — from asado to everyday pasta.
Chapter 04
Value Finds
Where to find the best bottles — including the ones poured by the jug at local restaurants.
"The grape that hid in Malbec's shadow for a century — and was never quite who everyone thought it was."
Argentina Through Wine
Start with the identity story
Chapter 01 explains everything — who this grape really is and why that matters in the glass.
Chapter 01: The Underdog →Quick answers
What is Bonarda wine?
Bonarda is a red wine grape that is the second most planted red variety in Argentina, after Malbec. It produces deeply coloured, fruity, medium-bodied reds with soft tannins and bright acidity, usually offering excellent value.
Is Argentine Bonarda the same as Italian Bonarda?
No. Despite the shared name, the grape Argentina calls Bonarda is actually Douce Noir (also called Corbeau) from the Savoie region of France — the same grape known as Charbono in California. DNA testing confirmed this around 2008.
How does Bonarda compare to Malbec?
Bonarda is generally lighter, juicier and lower in tannin than Malbec, with brighter acidity and more red- and dark-fruit character. It is typically less oak-driven and often better value, making it a very food-friendly everyday red.
What does Bonarda taste like?
Expect a deeply coloured wine with black cherry, blueberry, plum and fig fruit, violet florals and gentle spice. It is medium-bodied and smooth, with soft tannins and refreshing acidity, and most examples are unoaked.
What food pairs with Bonarda?
It is excellent with grilled and barbecued meats such as Argentine asado, brisket and burgers, as well as empanadas and tomato-based pasta. Its acidity and soft tannins handle smoke, char and fat very well.