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.
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.
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 fresh, crisp acidity and the floral, perfumed side.
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.
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.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Schiava
curatedA comparably delicate, pale red.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, 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.
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 less floral, and more oaky.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.
Expect: More granitic and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 less floral.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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 less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 fresher and more acidic.
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 fresher and more acidic, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 less floral, and more oaky.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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 less floral, and more oaky.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 less floral.
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 less floral.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Etna Rosso
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.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 broader and softer.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Frappato across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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 less floral, and stiller.
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 less floral, and sweeter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stiller.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
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 less floral, and more aromatic.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
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 less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
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 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.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Nacional
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
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 less floral, and more oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, juicy reds that benefit from a chill.
Expect: More granitic and less floral.
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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 less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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 less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Touriga Nacional
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.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 less floral, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and broader and softer.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Schiava
curatedA comparably delicate, pale red.
Expect: Lighter still, with an almond note.
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 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.
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 less floral, and more oaky.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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 less floral, and earthier.
Barbaresco
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 broader and softer.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and broader and softer.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and broader and softer.
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.