If you like this, try…
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.
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.
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 how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too plain or too simple and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, 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.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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
curatedA 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 lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
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.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Alentejo red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Franciacorta
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 oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Sagrantino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
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 oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
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 oaky.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
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.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.