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 how light and easy it feels and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too soft or too easy.
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.
Valpolicella
Both are made from molinara, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little 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.
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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
English still rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Valpolicella
Both are made from molinara, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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.
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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Burgundy
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chianti Classico
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 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 fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
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 less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
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 fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Molinara across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
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.
Nebbiolo
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.
Barolo
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
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.
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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Barbaresco
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.
Nebbiolo
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.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
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.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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.
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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.