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 and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too plain or too simple.
- 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.
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.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Valpolicella
Both are made from molinara, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fuller and richer, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fuller and richer, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
English still rosé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
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 oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
English still rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
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 oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, 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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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 fuller and richer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
English sparkling rosé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 fruitier.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 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.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
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 fuller and richer, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 fruitier.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
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.