Vitis vinifera Bonarda - Grapevine

The 'Bonarda' vine, better known as 'Bonarda piemontese', is a black grape variety of Vitis vinifera that has been cultivated for a long time in the Piedmont region of Turin, on the hills of Chieri, near the cities of Asti, Alexandria, and Montferrat in northwest Italy. It is a moderately vigorous, rather late vine, traditionally used in blends with other grape varieties for the production of red wine. Its sweet grapes produce a fairly refined, tannic wine with fruity aromas, ruby red with violet reflections and medium alcohol content. It is a fairly late-ripening grape variety that is usually harvested in October.

The wine grape (Vitis vinifera) grew wild over 5000 years ago and belongs to the vitaceae family. Many hybrids have been created to vary colours, flavours, and uses. The 'Bonarda' vine is an Italian variety cultivated in many countries (Australia, Brazil, United States, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Switzerland).

A sarmentous shrub of medium vigour, the 'Bonarda' vine can reach up to 4m in height. Its final shape will depend on the pruning practised. The vine attaches itself to its support (trellis, espalier...) thanks to its tendrils and likes well-sunny situations. It has a strongly upright habit. It is advisable to train it on wire and trellis it well. This variety prefers a deep, clayey soil, rich in nutrients, and permeable. It will require short pruning, above 2 buds.
Its foliage is lightly lobed, wide, deep green in summer, turning yellow and brown in autumn before falling. Its flowering in clusters occurs in May-June, in panicles of tiny yellowish-green flowers. This variety produces medium to large, conical to pyramidal clusters, sometimes with 3 wings, more or less compact. Its grapes are medium-sized, round or slightly ovoid, covered with a thick, slightly tough skin, almost black in full ripeness and very powdery. Their flesh is soft, juicy, and sweet, producing a slightly coloured juice.

The 'Bonarda' variety is susceptible to powdery mildew and grape worms, but slightly less to downy mildew. It will need regular treatment, especially in humid climates. The plant will cling to any support available: fences, shrubs, and trees. It is wise to trellis it against a well-exposed stone wall so that it can make the most of the sun.

Grapes can be consumed as table fruit, fresh, but also in jams, jellies, fruit juice, pastries, and of course, after vinification, as wine. In general, grapes are rich in B vitamins, a source of fibre and manganese, and well-supplied with antioxidants. They are a healthy, natural, and tasty dessert.