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

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

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Dão

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

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Tinta Negra

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
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

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more 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.

Négrette

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more 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.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

Poulsard

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

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

Négrette

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

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

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.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Négrette

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Gewürztraminer

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Clairette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Négrette

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

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

Graciano

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 lighter in alcohol.

Dão

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Graciano

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 lighter in alcohol.

Etna Rosso

Both come from the same country.

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

Nerello Mascalese

Both come from the same country.

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

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 in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Grenache

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

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

Canaiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

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 less floral, and more oaky.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Dão

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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 more oaky, and less floral.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

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

Torrontés

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Négrette

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Négrette

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

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 lighter in alcohol.

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Etna Rosso

Both come from the same country.

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

Nerello Mascalese

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Gewürztraminer

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

Both come from the same country.

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 more oaky.

Primitivo di Manduria

Both come from the same country.

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

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 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 more 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.

Grenache

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

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Négrette

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.

Négrette

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

A step up

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

Grenache

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

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

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.