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 the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too light or thin and too sharp or acidic.

You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Corvina

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Bobal

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Lagrein

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Morgon

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Carignan

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Cornalin

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Valais Cornalin

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Bobal

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

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

Lagrein

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Bobal

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

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

Lagrein

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

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

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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

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.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Lagrein

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

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

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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but less tannic

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

Soave Classico

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

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

Fiano

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.

Fiano di Avellino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.

Douro white

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Bobal

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

Cahors

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Franciacorta

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more sparkling.

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 more tannic and structured, and more floral.

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more herbal and green.

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 fresher and more acidic, 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 fresher and more acidic, 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 fresher and more acidic, and more tannic and structured.

Morgon

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

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

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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Corvina

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Malbec

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

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more tannic and structured.

Cahors

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more savoury

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

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

Similar but fruitier

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

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.

Corvinone

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 sweeter.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

Trincadeira

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

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

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 fresher and more acidic.

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 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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

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

Rioja Crianza

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

Something more adventurous

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Bobal

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

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

Lagrein

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

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

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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Bobal

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

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

Lagrein

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

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

A step up

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

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

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.