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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 keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too light or thin and too soft or too easy.

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.

Graciano

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.

Refosco

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.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.

Bobal

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.

Cornalin

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.

Mondeuse Noire

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.

Nero di Troia

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.
Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.

Chianti Classico

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Bobal

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Bobal

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

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

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 less tannic and softer.

English still Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Poulsard

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.

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.

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but less tannic

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

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.

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Similar but softer

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

Bobal

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Cornalin

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Nero di Troia

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

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

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 lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.

Corvinone

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Bobal

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

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Barbaresco

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Etna Rosso

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

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

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

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 more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fruitier

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Mondeuse Noire

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Corvinone

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

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

Trincadeira

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less tannic and softer.

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 less tannic and softer.

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.

Chianti Classico

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chianti

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Bobal

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

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

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.

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Bobal

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

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

A step up

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

Chianti Classico

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Sangiovese

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Chianti

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

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.