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.
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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.
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 bright red-fruited character and that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Schiava
curatedA comparably delicate, pale red.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Schiava
curatedA comparably delicate, pale red.
Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more sparkling.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more sparkling.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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
curatedA 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 lighter, and more oaky.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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 more oaky, and lighter.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less tannic and softer.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more sparkling.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both are made from frappato, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more sparkling.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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 broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stiller.
Prosecco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more sparkling.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.
Expect: More granitic 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.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less tannic and softer.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less tannic and softer.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
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.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Gamay
curatedBoth 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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
curatedBoth 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 more oaky, and less floral.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Schiava
curatedA comparably delicate, pale red.
Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more sparkling.
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.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more sparkling.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.
Expect: More granitic and less floral.
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.
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.