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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.

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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

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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 fresh, crisp acidity, the floral, perfumed side and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too floral or soapy.

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 the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Gamay

curated

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
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.

Pinot Meunier

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Cinsault

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Graciano

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
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.

Jaen

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Dornfelder

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

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.

Pinot Meunier

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Pinot Meunier

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

Cinsault

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

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Kabinett

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Kabinett

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

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

Spätlese

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Pinot Meunier

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral.

Jaen

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Falanghina

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Phoenix

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.

Alsace Riesling

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Jaen

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Graciano

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Canaiolo

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

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Dornfelder

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

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 more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

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

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

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Pinot Grigio

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

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

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cortese

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

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

Pinot Meunier

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Similar but less floral

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

Pinot Meunier

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

Cinsault

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more savoury

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

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Etna Rosso

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

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

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Spätlese

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

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

Zinfandel

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

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

Pinot Meunier

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Beaujolais

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

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.

Pinot Meunier

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Cinsault

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.

Pinot Meunier

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Cinsault

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

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

A step up

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

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.