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.

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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

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 bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too light or thin, too plain or too simple and too alcoholic or warming.

You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, 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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Chianti Classico

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Corvina

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Barbera

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Baga

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Bairrada Baga

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Corvina

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 lighter in alcohol.

Barbera

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Corvina

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 lighter in alcohol.

Barbera

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader 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.

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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Barbera

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

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

Baga

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Barbera

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

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

Baga

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Jumilla Monastrell

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

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Rhône blend

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Corvina

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 lighter in alcohol.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tawny Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

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 broader and softer, 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 broader and softer, 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 lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader 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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Corvina

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 lighter in alcohol.

Barbera

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Barbera

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Nebbiolo

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 lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fruitier

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

Both come from the same country.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

Both come from the same country.

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

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, and lighter in alcohol.

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, and lighter in 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.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Barbera

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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 lighter in alcohol.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Corvina

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 lighter in alcohol.

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Corvina

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 lighter in alcohol.

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

A step up

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

Barbera

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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 lighter in alcohol.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.