If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 keeping the bright red-fruited character and how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Verdicchio
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 fruitier.
Grechetto
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 fruitier.
Friulano
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 fruitier.
Xarel·lo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
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.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
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.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
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.