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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.
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 floral or soapy and too soft or too easy.
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
curatedA comparably delicate, pale red.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both are made from frappato, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
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
curatedA comparably delicate, pale red.
Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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
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 less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
curatedA comparably delicate, pale red.
Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Dolcetto
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.
Expect: More granitic and less floral.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Schiava
curatedA comparably delicate, pale red.
Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.