If you like this, try…
Wines like Nerello Mascalese
Mount Etna’s principal red variety: pale, high-acid, ashy and increasingly compared to Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Nerello Mascalese?
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 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.
- The firm, grippy structure
- High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
Looking for something moving away from too floral or soapy.
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.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stiller.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and stiller.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
curatedSimilar pale colour, red fruit and transparency to place.
Expect: More savoury and smoky, with firmer tannin.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
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.