"bonarda" news and stories

Bonarda is a tricky wine to find. That's because there are few wineries making it. While in Argentina it's referred to as Bonarda, the California wineries – among them, Summers Estate Wines in Calistoga and Robert Foley Vineyards in Napa Valley – call it Charbono.

The confusion doesn't stop there. The jury is still out on whether Bonarda grown in Argentina is actually Bonarda Piemontese or Bonarda Novarese (also known as Uva Rara). But what we do know is that Bonarda used to be the most widely planted grape throughout all of Argentina until Malbec recently surpassed it. Bonarda's claim to fame used to be that it was incorporated into a red table-wine blend. Now, however, there are several 100% Bonarda varietals on the market.

As far as pairing with food, grilled vegetables and Argentine-style beef are amazing with Bonarda.

After the jump, check out the Bonarda wine we recently fell for.

• There seems to be confusion and mislabeling, but the Argentinian bonarda is "a killer pizza-and-nachos wine," that happens to be really affordable too.
• Recipes ripe for summer days: Sorrel and Green Pea Soup, Grilled Whole Fish, Grilled Peppers, Grilled Rapini, No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Tartlets
• The failures of Steve Lee, and the successes of Jamie Kennedy and his new lunch spot -- Gilead Cafe.

"It tastes like bacon," my husband said, sniffing the dark red wine. He was bringing the first glass of a bottle I'd just brought home from the Italian market. The reason I'd selected it: it looked nice and meaty, and it was cheap. $6.99.

I laughed. He's such a silly guy, that husband of mine.

I took a sip. Ohmigod. It tasted like bacon.

It was salty, rich, and pork-flavored. And it was delicious. If you have a chance to try it, I highly recommend this bottle: the 2004 Vila Bonarda. It's especially delicious with prosciutto, goat cheese, cured olives. And bacon.