The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Balsamina, Bonarda, Bonarda a Grandes Grappes, Bonarda dell'Astigiano, Bonarda dell Monferrato, Bonarda di Asti, Bonarda di Chieri, Bonarda di Piemonte, Bonarda di Pyemont, Bonarda du Piemont, Bonarda Nera, Bonarda Nero, Driola, Kanaiolo Krasnyi and Negrin. The name Bonarda (see there) is used in northern Italy for numerous independent varieties. Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities, Bonarda Piemontese must not be confused with the varieties Croatina, Douce Noire (grown in Argentina under the name Bonarda), Neretta Cuneese, Neretto Duro, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso or Uva Rara (Balsamina).
For me, Lexicon from wein.plus is the most comprehensive and best source of information about wine currently available.
Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)