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.
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.
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 floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too light or thin.
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.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
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.
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.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
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 tannic and structured.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 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 lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Barbaresco
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 tannic and structured.
Barolo
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 tannic and structured.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
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 tannic and structured.
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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 lighter.
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 lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
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 less floral, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more tannic and structured.
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 less floral, and sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
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 tannic and structured.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Nebbiolo
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 tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
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 tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
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 tannic and structured.
Barolo
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 tannic and structured.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
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.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
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.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Barbaresco
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 tannic and structured.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
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 tannic and structured.
Barolo
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 tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Barbaresco
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 tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
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 tannic and structured.
Barolo
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 savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
Barbaresco
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 tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
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 tannic and structured.
Barolo
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 tannic and structured.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
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 tannic and structured.
Barolo
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 tannic and structured.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
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.