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Wines like Frappato

A pale, intensely floral Sicilian variety making light, fragrant reds best served slightly chilled. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Frappato

Refine

What do you like about Frappato?

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 bright red fruit How light it is How smooth and soft it is How fresh and crisp it is That it is not oaky The floral character

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too light or thin too soft or too easy too alcoholic or warming too plain or too simple too floral or soapy

Clear all

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 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.
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.
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.
That it is not oaky: No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
The floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.

Looking for something keeping the floral, perfumed side and how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too alcoholic or warming.

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.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Uco Valley Malbec

Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

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.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

English still Pinot Noir

English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Poulsard

Poulsard scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

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.

English still Pinot Noir

English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but less tannic

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

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Clairette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Dão

Dão scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Similar but fresher

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.

Etna Rosso

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Similar but softer

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Canaiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Grenache

Grenache scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Argentine Malbec

Argentine Malbec scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.

Glera

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

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

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 less floral, and broader and softer.

Touriga Franca

Touriga Franca scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Tawny Port

Tawny Port scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Tinto Cão

Tinto Cão scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Uco Valley Malbec

Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more floral

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Similar but more savoury

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fruitier

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

Zinfandel

Zinfandel scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Primitivo

Both come from the same country.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

Both come from the same country.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Something more adventurous

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

A step up

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

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.