Discover Oltrepò Pavese Bonarda, a traditional Italian red wine with intense aromas and a unique balance. Explore its characteristics, the Croatina grape variety and the perfect pairings for every occasion. A sensory journey into the Oltrepò wine culture!
The Oltrepò Pavese is one of the most renowned wine regions in Italy, famous for its wine-growing tradition and high quality wines. Among the jewels of this land is Bonarda, a red wine that is an authentic expression of local culture. Let us discover together its unique characteristics and the fascinating history that surrounds it.
Organoleptic characteristics of Bonarda
Bonarda has a deep ruby colour with violet reflections, captivating wine lovers with its intense and brilliant appearance. This wine has a medium to good texture, resulting in an enthralling taste experience.
Aroma and Taste
On the nose, Bonarda wine offers a fine, penetrating bouquet with vinous scents evoking morello cherry and blackberry. Its balance between dry and rounded sensations gives the wine a slightly tannic structure, accompanied by a medium-long aromatic persistence.
Types of Bonarda
Bonarda comes in two main versions:
- Bonarda Fermo
- Sparkling Bonarda (the best known)
With an alcohol content starting at a minimum of 12%, this wine is ideally served at cellar temperature to bring out all its organoleptic characteristics.
The Croatina Vine: Heart of Bonarda
Bonarda is mainly obtained from the red vinification of Croatina grapes, together with other vines that can contribute up to a maximum of 15%. Croatina is one of the most representative vines of the region, a symbol of the Oltrepò Pavese wine-growing tradition.
The origins of the Croatina vine date back to the second half of the 19th century, when various ampelographers began to catalogue the vineyards in the area, distinguishing the different varieties as Uva Rara and Bonarda Piemontese. Although the formalisation of the ampelographic characteristics of Croatina only occurred at that time, local tradition recognises this vine as the symbol of winegrowing in the Oltrepò Pavese, where wines were already commonly referred to as Bonarda in the 19th century.
Bonarda: A Wine That Tells History
Bonarda is not just a wine; it is a tale of passion and tradition. Although production may vary over time, its value remains constant. Together with Pinot Nero, Bonarda represents a symbolic product of the Oltrepò, capable of narrating the territory and its peculiarities.
