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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

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 light and easy it feels, the floral, perfumed side and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too light or thin.

You said you like how light and easy it feels 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.
You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too light or thin. 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.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.

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.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less light or thin.

Graciano

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.

Australian Grenache

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.

Gamay

curated

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less light or thin.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less light or thin.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

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 lighter, and less floral.

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader 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

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, 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, and lighter in alcohol.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

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, 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, and lighter in alcohol.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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.

Torrontés

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

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

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fiano

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.

Fiano di Avellino

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.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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

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

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 less floral.

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 lighter.

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 less floral.

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 less floral.

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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Syrah

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

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

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 less floral, and lighter.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and broader and softer.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Barbaresco

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 less floral.

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 less floral.

Barolo

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 less floral.

Torrontés

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

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

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.

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 less floral.

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

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 more tannic and structured.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

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.

Similar but less floral

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

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 less floral.

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Barbaresco

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 broader and softer.

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 broader and softer.

Barolo

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 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 more tannic and structured.

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 less floral, and broader and softer.

Petite Sirah

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Primitivo

Both come from the same country.

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

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 lighter, and less floral.

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 less floral.

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 lighter, and less floral.

Barbaresco

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 broader and softer.

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 broader and softer.

Something more adventurous

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

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 lighter, and less floral.

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

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 lighter, and less floral.

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and broader and softer.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

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 broader and softer.

Barolo

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 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.