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, too savoury or funky, too tart or sour-fruited and too earthy or musty.
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.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 more savoury, and less floral.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 more savoury, and less floral.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
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 fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
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 fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
curatedPale colour, high acidity, fine firm tannin and obsessive site sensitivity.
Expect: More volcanic and ashy, less rose-and-tar, and much cheaper.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
curatedPale colour, high acidity, fine firm tannin and obsessive site sensitivity.
Expect: More volcanic and ashy, less rose-and-tar, and much cheaper.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Argentine Cabernet Franc scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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 less floral, and more savoury.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
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 savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Taurasi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Nerello Mascalese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader 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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 more savoury, and less floral.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 more savoury, and less floral.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
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.