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.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too light or thin and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and earthier.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and 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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Colorino
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.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Ciliegiolo
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.
Nerello Cappuccio
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.
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 fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Rondinella
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Montepulciano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Bonarda
Bonarda scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Ciliegiolo
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.
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 oaky, and fruitier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Canaiolo
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.
Négrette
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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and earthier.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and earthier.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and earthier.
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 oaky, and fruitier.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
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.