BonaDea Cabernet Franc, Veneto Italy

This organically grown Cabernet Franc showcases the fresh, elegant style of Northern Italy. Smooth and balanced, it offers bright fruit flavours, subtle earthy notes, and a refined structure without the heaviness of oak-driven reds. A versatile and approachable wine, it’s a great choice for everyday enjoyment and pairs beautifully with a range of dishes.

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

The Profile:

An intense ruby red color opens into an expressive nose of mature wild blackberries and red plums, laced with subtle hints of fresh herbs, dark spices, and a touch of peppery earthiness. The palate is wonderfully smooth and dry, mirroring the dark red fruit and spice notes with beautifully soft, balanced tannins and a long, clean finish.

Classic Pairings:

• Traditional platters of cured meats and charcuterie, herb-roasted chicken, or aged hard cheeses.

Irish Favourite Pairings:

• Premium Chipper Sausage Box: The savoury sausages and chips soften the Cabernet Franc’s tannins, while its fresh acidity cuts through the richness of the batter for a balanced pairing.
• Traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage: The salty bacon and peppery cabbage complement the wine’s herbal and spicy notes, bringing out its juicy red berry flavours.

How the wine is made

Crafted from 100% estate-grown Cabernet Franc grapes. Fermentation takes place with minimal intervention in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by a maturation period resting on its fine lees. This technique guarantees the wine retains its vibrant fruit expression, characteristic herbal spices, and supple, velvety structure without any heavy wood influence.

Why we love this producer

BonaDea is a passionate project born from a family legacy with deep-rooted history in the Veneto region. For over a hundred years, the family dedicated themselves to growing and cultivating the finest grapes for other winemakers, before finally taking the leap to craft and bottle their own estate-driven creations in 2015. This transition bridges the gap between generational wisdom and modern artisan winemaking. 

BonaDea—a thoughtful tribute to the ancient Roman goddess of the Earth and fertility. We love them because their name is a daily promise to honor and respect the land, a philosophy that translates into the vibrant purity of every bottle they produce.  

Sustainability & Farming Practices

Rooted in a philosophy that honours the earth, the estate prioritizes natural harmony over industrial intervention:

• Vineyard Practices: The vineyards are managed with a strict focus on eco-conscious farming, protecting local biodiversity and practicing minimal chemical intervention to maintain pristine soil health.