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 how smooth and easy it is to drink, how light and easy it feels and that the fruit is not covered in oak, 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.

Tinta Negra

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

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

País

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

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Cinsault

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

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Molinara

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

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
More alcoholic or warming, not less.

Portugieser

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

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Tibouren

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

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Ciliegiolo

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

Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

País

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

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

Cinsault

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

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

Molinara

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

País

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

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

Cinsault

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

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

Molinara

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

País

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

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 more oaky.

Molinara

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

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

Valpolicella

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

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Ciliegiolo

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 tannic and structured.

Nerello Cappuccio

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 tannic and structured.

Piedirosso

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 tannic and structured.

Similar but less tannic

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Grillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Pecorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Ciliegiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Nerello Cappuccio

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Piedirosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Similar but fresher

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

Molinara

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Valpolicella

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

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

Chianti

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.

Barbera

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 softer

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

Portugieser

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

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Canaiolo

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 fuller and richer.

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 fuller and richer.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

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 less tannic and softer.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Portugieser

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

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

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 fuller and richer.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

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

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

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 less tannic and softer.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Pinot Grigio

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 tannic and softer.

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Cortese

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 tannic and softer.

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

País

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

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

Cinsault

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

País

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

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

Cinsault

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

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

Molinara

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more savoury

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

País

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

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

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chianti

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 more oaky.

Primitivo

Both come from the same country.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Primitivo di Manduria

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

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 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 more oaky.

Chianti

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.

Barbera

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.

Something more adventurous

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

País

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

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

Cinsault

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

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

Molinara

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

País

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

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

Cinsault

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

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

Molinara

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

A step up

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

Chianti

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.

Barbera

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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.