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 smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too soft or too easy.
- You said you like how smooth and easy it is to drink and that it is too soft or too easy. Both are about tannin, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like how smooth and easy it is to drink and that it is too soft or too easy. Both are about texture, 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.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- 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 noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- 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 noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella
Both are made from molinara, and 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Refosco
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 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 in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in 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 lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter in alcohol.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ruby Port
Ruby Port scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Port
Port scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 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 lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.