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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, how light and easy it feels and how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from 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.

Gamay

curated

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

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Beaujolais

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

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
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.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
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.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Beaujolais

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

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

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Beaujolais

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

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and less floral.

English still rosé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Beaujolais

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

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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 less oaky.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less tannic

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

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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

English Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loureiro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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 tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Similar but fresher

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Négrette

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

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

Canaiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Portugieser

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

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

Argentine Malbec

Argentine Malbec 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

Both come from the same country.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Asti

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

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

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 fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Dornfelder

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

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 less oaky, and less tannic 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.

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.

Beaujolais

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

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 tannic and structured.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Similar but less floral

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less oaky, and less floral.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon 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 fuller and richer, and less floral.

Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.

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 fuller and richer, 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.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More granitic and less floral.

Beaujolais

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

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

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Schiava

curated

A comparably delicate, pale red.

Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.