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.

← Back to Frappato

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.

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 fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too floral or soapy.

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.

Gamay

curated

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Etna Rosso

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Poulsard

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

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 in alcohol, and more oaky.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Beaujolais

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Jaen

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

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Fiano

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

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

Fiano di Avellino

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

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

Alsace Riesling

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

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

Grillo

Both come from the same country.

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

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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

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 lighter in alcohol.

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 in alcohol.

Graciano

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

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

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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

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 lighter in alcohol.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Grenache

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

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

Malbec

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

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

Zinfandel

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 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 lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

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 in alcohol, and sweeter.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

Both come from the same country.

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

Tinto Cão

Tinto Cão scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

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 in alcohol.

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 lighter in alcohol.

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 lighter in alcohol.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

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.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

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 in alcohol.

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 lighter in alcohol.

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 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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

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 less floral, 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 less floral, and fresher and more acidic.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

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 lighter in alcohol.

Dão

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less floral, and broader and softer.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel 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 broader and softer, and less floral.

Primitivo di Manduria

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.

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 in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol, 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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

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

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 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.