Bonamico is a redItalian winegrape variety that is grown in theprovince of Pisa inTuscany where the grape has a reputation for producing very highyields. Someampelographers speculate that the grape may have originated around the town ofPalaia with the grape being known under the synonym ofUva di Palaia. While often used as atable grape, Bonamico can be a minor blending component in several TuscanDenominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) andIndicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) wines where it often contributes floralaroma notes andacidity.[1]
Bonamico has been historically grown across Tuscany but followingWorld War II and the post-war economic turmoil of the 1950s and 1960s, plantings of the grape sharply declined and it is now mostly found in the provinces ofPisa,Pistoia andLucca where it is also used as a table grape.[1]
The name "Bonamico" is derived from theItalian term for "good friend" which ampelographers believe may be a reference to the grape's propensity to produce bountifulyields. However, these high yields coupled with Bonamico being alate ripening variety meant that the grape often produced off balanced wines with highacidity levels, unripetannins and lowalcohol levels.[1]
In 2000, there were 100 hectares (250 acres) of Bonamico in cultivation, mostly in the province of Pisa and in the provinces ofLucca andPistoia.[1]
According toMaster of WineJancis Robinson, if yields are kept in check and the grape is allowed a longgrowing season to fully ripen beforeharvest, Bonamico has the potential to makemedium bodied wines with good acidity levels and floral aromatics.[1]
Over the years, Bonamico has been known under a variety of synonyms including: Buenamico, Buon Amico, Buonamico,Canaiolo Romano, Ceragia, Dorace, Durace, Giacomino, Neret,Neyret, Pulera, Sangioveto, Tinto, Uva di Palaia and Uva Rosa.[2]