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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.

I like…

The bright red fruit How light it is How fresh and crisp it is How smooth and soft it is That it is not oaky

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too light or thin too sharp or acidic too soft or too easy too alcoholic or warming too plain or too simple

Clear all

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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too plain or too simple, too light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.

You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, 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.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

California Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Barbera d’Asti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Barbera d’Alba

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less light or thin.
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.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

California Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

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 fruitier.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

California Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

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 fruitier.

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.

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.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

California Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

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.

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 fruitier.

Chianti Classico

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 tannic and structured.

Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Bairrada Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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.

Agiorgitiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Alentejo red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

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 fruitier.

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Chilean Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Chianti Classico

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 tannic and structured.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and softer and rounder.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 tannic and structured.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

California Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

Nero d’Avola

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.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.

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.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Ruby Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Agiorgitiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Alentejo red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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 more tannic and structured.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Nebbiolo

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 tannic and structured.

Barolo

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 tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

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 tannic and structured.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

California Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

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 more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Nebbiolo

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 tannic and structured.

Barolo

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 tannic and structured.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Barbaresco

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 tannic and structured.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico

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 tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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 tannic and structured.

Aglianico

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 tannic and structured.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader 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 fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Valpolicella

Both are made from molinara, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Valpolicella

Both are made from molinara, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Chianti Classico

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 tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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 tannic and structured.

Brunello 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 more tannic and structured.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

California Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

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.

California Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Brunello 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 more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico

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 tannic and structured.

Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Sangiovese

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 tannic and structured.

How these are chosen

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.