If you like this, try…
Wines like Colorino
A Tuscan teinturier variety historically used to deepen the colour of Chianti. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Colorino?
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 firm, grippy structure
- High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- 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.
- 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 moving away from too austere and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Aglianico
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
Saperavi scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from colorino, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Chianti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sagrantino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from colorino, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Corvinone
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from colorino, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Chianti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from colorino, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
Red Bordeaux scores closest to Colorino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.