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Wines like Molinara

A pale, high-acid Valpolicella variety, now optional in the blend and much reduced in plantings. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Molinara?

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 fresh and crisp it is How smooth and soft it is That it is not oaky

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too light or thin too sharp or acidic too soft or too easy too alcoholic or warming too plain or too simple

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 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.
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.
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.

Looking for something moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too alcoholic or warming, too light or thin and 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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Sangiovese

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Aglianico

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Taurasi

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Barbaresco

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Nebbiolo

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Barolo

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

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.

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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

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.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barbera d’Alba

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Similar but less tannic

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

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Vin Jaune

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but softer

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

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Nero d’Avola

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fruitier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Sagrantino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barbera d’Alba

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader 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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Similar but more savoury

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Similar but fruitier

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alicante Bouschet

Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Valpolicella

Both are made from molinara, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Valpolicella

Both are made from molinara, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Something more adventurous

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

A step up

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

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.