Wine quiz

Bonarda Quiz

By SipCircle Wine Editorial

Two rounds, instant scoring, no sign-up. See how well you know Bonarda, then keep a tasting journal to remember what you learn.

Test your knowledge

What this quiz covers

12 questions across two rounds: 6 beginner and 6 advanced. Here's what you'll be asked:

  • Bonarda is primarily associated with which South American country?
  • Which Argentine province is considered a key heartland for Bonarda cultivation?
  • How would you generally describe the style of an Argentine Bonarda?
  • Which grape variety is often compared to Bonarda in Argentina because both are planted extensively across Mendoza?
  • What type of food pairs well with a typical Argentine Bonarda?
  • What color is a typical glass of Argentine Bonarda?
  • Argentine Bonarda is the same grape variety as which French-origin grape?
  • Compared to Malbec, how does Argentine Bonarda typically differ in terms of tannin and acidity?
  • Historically, what was much of Argentina's Bonarda crop used for rather than single-varietal bottling?
  • Within Mendoza, which sub-region's alluvial soils and warm days with cool nights are particularly noted for producing concentrated Bonarda?
  • Bonarda vines in Mendoza are often described as 'old vines.' Why does old-vine status matter for wine quality?
  • Which winemaking technique is increasingly used with Bonarda in Argentina to highlight its fresh fruit character rather than extract heavy tannins?
Study notes: answers & key facts (open to reveal)
  • Bonarda is primarily associated with which South American country? Argentina. Argentina is home to one of the world's largest Bonarda plantings and it is the country's second most widely planted red grape after Malbec, playing an important role in Argentine red wine production.
  • Which Argentine province is considered a key heartland for Bonarda cultivation? Mendoza. Mendoza is Argentina's most important wine region and hosts a significant share of the country's Bonarda vineyards.
  • How would you generally describe the style of an Argentine Bonarda? Deep-colored, fruity, and soft-tannined. Bonarda typically produces deeply colored wines with ripe berry fruit, soft tannins, and a juicy, approachable character.
  • Which grape variety is often compared to Bonarda in Argentina because both are planted extensively across Mendoza? Malbec. Malbec is the iconic Argentine red, and Bonarda is frequently compared to it because both are widely planted in Mendoza; Bonarda tends to be softer and juicier, while Malbec is typically fuller-bodied.
  • What type of food pairs well with a typical Argentine Bonarda? Grilled red meats and smoky barbecue. Bonarda's ripe fruit, moderate tannins, and good acidity make it a natural partner for grilled and roasted red meats, a staple of Argentine cuisine.
  • What color is a typical glass of Argentine Bonarda? Deep ruby to violet. Bonarda is known for producing very deeply pigmented wines, often displaying an intense ruby to violet hue in the glass.
  • Argentine Bonarda is the same grape variety as which French-origin grape? Douce noir. DNA profiling has confirmed that Argentine Bonarda is Douce noir, also known as Charbono or Corbeau.
  • Compared to Malbec, how does Argentine Bonarda typically differ in terms of tannin and acidity? Softer tannins and slightly higher natural acidity than Malbec. Bonarda generally shows softer, more supple tannins alongside a bright natural acidity that can actually exceed that of Malbec, giving it a lively, fresh structure.
  • Historically, what was much of Argentina's Bonarda crop used for rather than single-varietal bottling? Blending to add color and body to other wines. For decades, Bonarda was prized primarily as a blending component, valued for the deep color, body, and juicy fruit it could contribute to multi-varietal wines.
  • Within Mendoza, which sub-region's alluvial soils and warm days with cool nights are particularly noted for producing concentrated Bonarda? Luján de Cuyo. Warmer areas of Mendoza with alluvial soils are noted for producing concentrated Bonarda, with producers seeking sites that balance warm days and cooler nights.
  • Bonarda vines in Mendoza are often described as 'old vines.' Why does old-vine status matter for wine quality? Old vines naturally restrict yields, concentrating flavors and complexity in smaller berries. As vines age, their root systems deepen and their natural productivity declines, resulting in smaller crops of more concentrated, complex fruit — a key reason winemakers prize old-vine designations.
  • Which winemaking technique is increasingly used with Bonarda in Argentina to highlight its fresh fruit character rather than extract heavy tannins? Carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration. Carbonic and semi-carbonic maceration ferment grapes with minimal skin crushing, preserving Bonarda's vibrant berry aromatics and soft texture while avoiding harsh extraction.

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