If you like this, try…
Wines like Barbera
Piedmont’s everyday red: deeply coloured, very high in acid, low in tannin and immediately drinkable. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Barbera?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too sharp or acidic, too oaky or woody and too light or thin.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Cinsault
Cinsault scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
País scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and softer and rounder.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.
Barbera d’Alba
Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Barbera
Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Barbera d’Alba
Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Barbera d’Alba
Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Barbera d’Asti
Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Barbera
Both are made from barbera, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.