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 the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too light or thin and too oaky or woody.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Barbera d’Asti
Both are made from barbera, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
Both are made from barbera, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Frappato
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Molinara
Both come from the same country.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc 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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
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.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 broader and softer.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 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 broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
Both are made from barbera, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and broader and softer.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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 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 more oaky.
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 more oaky.
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 more oaky.
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 fruitier.
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 more oaky.
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 more oaky.
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 broader and softer, and lighter.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Chianti
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.
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 more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
Both are made from barbera, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
Both are made from barbera, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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.