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Wines like Ciliegiolo
A Tuscan variety closely related to Sangiovese, giving soft, cherry-scented wines. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Ciliegiolo?
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 rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- 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.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too austere and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
País
País scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Molinara
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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 drier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Grenache
Grenache scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Southern Rhône blend
Southern Rhône blend scores closest to Ciliegiolo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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.