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 plain or too simple.
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.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Barbera d’Alba
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Barbera
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 fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Asti
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 fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
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.
Primitivo
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Barbera
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 fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Asti
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 fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
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.
Primitivo
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.
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.
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 oaky.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Valpolicella
Both are made from molinara, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
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 in alcohol, and less oaky.
Barbera
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 fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Asti
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 fuller and richer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barbera d’Alba
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.
Primitivo
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Primitivo
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Corvina
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 lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Primitivo
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nero d’Avola
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.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Primitivo
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barbera
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 fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
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.
Barbera d’Asti
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 fuller and richer.
California Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
Barbera
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 more aromatic.
Barbera d’Asti
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 fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
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.
Primitivo
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.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
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 lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbera d’Alba
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.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Barbera
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 fuller and richer.
Primitivo
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Barbera d’Asti
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 fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
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.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Corvina
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 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.
Barbera d’Asti
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 fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
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.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Corvina
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 lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbera
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 fuller and richer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.