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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.

I like…

The firm, grippy structure That it is not oaky

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too alcoholic or warming too light or thin too drying or too tannic too plain or too simple too austere

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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 plain or too simple 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.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.

Petit Verdot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially 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.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

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.

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.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from colorino, 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 savoury.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from colorino, 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 herbal and green.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.

Barossa Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.

Barbera d’Alba

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Primitivo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.

Petit Verdot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.

Petite Sirah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Aglianico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from colorino, 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 herbal and green.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from colorino, 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 savoury.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fruitier.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.

Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Agiorgitiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Alentejo red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.

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 aromatic.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Douro red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Petit Verdot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from colorino, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Petite Sirah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.

Primitivo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Primitivo di Manduria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from colorino, 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 savoury.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from colorino, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from colorino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from colorino, 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.

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.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.

Primitivo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

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.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Brunello 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 earthier.

How these are chosen

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.