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 fresh, crisp acidity and that the fruit is not covered in oak, 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.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 broader and softer.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 broader and softer.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
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 more oaky.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
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 more 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 more oaky.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Valpolicella
Both are made from molinara, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 broader and softer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Greco
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.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
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 broader and softer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 oaky, 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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
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 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 in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
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 softer and rounder.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader 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 in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
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.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 oaky, 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 oaky, 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 oaky, 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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
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.
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 broader and softer.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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 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 more oaky, 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 oaky, 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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 oaky, 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 oaky, 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 oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 broader and softer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 broader and softer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.