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.

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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 keeping how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too sharp or acidic and too alcoholic or warming.

You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, 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.

Tinta Negra

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Ciliegiolo

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Nerello Cappuccio

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Piedirosso

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Tinto Cão

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Castelão

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Jaen

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Frühburgunder

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Ciliegiolo

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 lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Cappuccio

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 lighter in alcohol.

Piedirosso

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 lighter in alcohol.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Ciliegiolo

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 lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Cappuccio

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 lighter in alcohol.

Piedirosso

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 lighter in alcohol.

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.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Schiava

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

English still Pinot Noir

English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Cinsault

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more 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.

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.

Frappato

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Ciliegiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Cappuccio

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Piedirosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but less tannic

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

Friulano

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 lighter in alcohol.

Grillo

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 lighter in alcohol.

Pecorino

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 lighter in alcohol.

Roditis

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tinto Cão

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Ciliegiolo

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 lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Cappuccio

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 lighter in alcohol.

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Nero d’Avola

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Glera

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Tinto Cão

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Ruby Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Nero d’Avola

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Egri Bikavér

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

California Rhône blend

California Rhône blend scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Ciliegiolo

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 lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Cappuccio

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 lighter in alcohol.

Piedirosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more floral

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

Jaen

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Cinsault

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

País

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fruitier

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

Ciliegiolo

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 lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Cappuccio

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 lighter in alcohol.

Piedirosso

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 lighter in alcohol.

Jaen

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Valpolicella

Both are made from molinara, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Red Bordeaux

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Something more adventurous

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Ciliegiolo

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 lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Cappuccio

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 lighter in alcohol.

Piedirosso

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 lighter in alcohol.

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.

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Ciliegiolo

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 lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Cappuccio

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 lighter in alcohol.

Piedirosso

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 lighter in alcohol.

A step up

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Red Bordeaux

Red Bordeaux scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

California Pinot Noir

California Pinot Noir scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

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.