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.

← 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 how smooth and easy it is to drink, the floral, perfumed side and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too alcoholic or warming.

You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, 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.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
More alcoholic or warming, not less.

Gamay

curated

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

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 in alcohol, and more oaky.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more oaky.

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Riesling

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 lighter in alcohol.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Jaen

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.

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Molinara

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

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

Etna Rosso

Both come from the same country.

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

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 more tannic and structured.

Grenache

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

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

Portugieser

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.

Prosecco

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Lambrusco

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

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more oaky, 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 more oaky.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 floral, and more tannic and structured.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Similar but more savoury

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

Dão

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

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

Etna Rosso

Both come from the same country.

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

Nerello Mascalese

Both come from the same country.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.

Primitivo di Manduria

Both come from the same country.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky.

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 more oaky.

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grenache

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Grenache

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

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.