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.
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 bright red-fruited character and how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming.
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 the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Valpolicella
Both are made from molinara, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
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
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.
Chianti
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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
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.
Chianti
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 lighter.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
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 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 lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Barbera
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.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barbera
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.
Barbera d’Asti
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.
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 more tannic and structured.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Chianti
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.
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.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Grenache
Grenache scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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 in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
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’Asti
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.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Cortese
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 less tannic and softer.
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
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.
Chianti
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 more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti
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.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 more tannic and structured, 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 more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Chianti
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.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Barbera d’Asti
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
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.
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
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
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.
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 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 more tannic and structured, 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 fuller and richer.
Chianti Classico
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
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.