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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, that the fruit is not covered in oak, the fresh, crisp acidity and the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming.

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

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 some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

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 how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
More alcoholic or warming, not less.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic 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 more oaky.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

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 more oaky, and fuller and richer.

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 lighter.

Poulsard

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

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

Cinsault

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 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 more oaky.

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

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

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

Moschofilero

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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 fuller and richer.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

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 more oaky.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

Etna Rosso

Both come from the same country.

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

Nerello Mascalese

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.

Canaiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Portugieser

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

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Prosecco

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

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.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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 in alcohol.

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 fuller and richer.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

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

Torrontés

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

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

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 in alcohol, and more oaky.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fuller and richer.

Cinsault

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.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

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 floral.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Meunier

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.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more oaky.

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 more oaky.

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 fuller and richer.

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 fuller and richer, and less floral.

Petite Sirah

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

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

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

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

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 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 in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

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

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.