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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.

← Back to Frappato

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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 floral, perfumed side and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too plain or too simple.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from frappato, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less floral.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.

Similar but less tannic

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

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

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

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

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 less floral, and lighter in alcohol.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Malbec

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Négrette

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

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

Syrah

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

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

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

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 floral, and less oaky.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Franca

Touriga Franca scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Corvina

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Sagrantino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fuller and richer, and less floral.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Similar but less floral

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Xinomavro

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.

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

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 fuller and richer, and less floral.

Primitivo

Both come from the same country.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.

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 less 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 in alcohol, and less 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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less floral, and lighter in alcohol.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.