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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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, how light and easy it feels and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too light or thin.

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.
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.

Graciano

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less light or thin.

Refosco

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.

Gamay

curated

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

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
A little less light or thin.

Bobal

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.

Cornalin

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
A little less light or thin.

Pinot Meunier

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
A little less light or thin.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially 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.

Graciano

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

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

Refosco

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 less floral.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Bobal

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.

Graciano

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

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

Refosco

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 less floral.

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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.

Poulsard

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

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

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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.

Pinot Meunier

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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 more tannic and structured, and fresher and more acidic.

Refosco

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 less floral.

Similar but less tannic

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

Austrian Riesling

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

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

Greco

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

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

Alsace Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Petit Manseng

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Refosco

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 less floral.

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but sweeter

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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.

Lambrusco

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.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

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.

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 lighter.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

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 more oaky, 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 more oaky, 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 more oaky, and broader and softer.

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.

Cortese

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

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

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Graciano

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

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

Refosco

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 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.

Graciano

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

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Refosco

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 less floral.

Bobal

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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Cornalin

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

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 more oaky, and broader and softer.

Petite Sirah

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Primitivo

Both come from the same country.

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

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 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, 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.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Graciano

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

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

Refosco

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 less floral.

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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.

Graciano

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

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

Refosco

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 less floral.

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Barbera

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

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

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.