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 how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too soft or too easy.
- 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.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Ciliegiolo
Both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little 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.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
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
Poulsard scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
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 less tannic and softer, 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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Valpolicella
Both are made from molinara, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Jumilla Monastrell
Jumilla Monastrell scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Negroamaro
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stiller.
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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
Jumilla Monastrell scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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 aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Ciliegiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Dão
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.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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 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 fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
Piedirosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
St Laurent
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
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.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
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.
Etna Rosso
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 Mascalese
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.