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Wines like Nero d’Avola

Sicily’s most planted red variety, ranging from soft commercial wine to structured, savoury bottlings. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Nero d’Avola?

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…

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too soft or too easy too heavy too oaky or woody too peppery too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

The rich dark fruit: Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
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.
How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something moving away from too oaky or woody.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Negroamaro

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Bonarda

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montsant

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Dolcetto

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Morgon

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Dolcetto

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

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

Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

País

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

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.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and less spicy.

Marsanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Soave Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Fiano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Dolcetto

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Refosco

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

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

Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Franciacorta

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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 spicy, and fresher.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Muscat Bailey A

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

Similar but more restrained

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Pinot Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Gavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

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 spicy, and fresher.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Bierzo Mencía

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Similar but more savoury

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

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo

curated

Both are ripe, generous southern Italian reds.

Expect: Jammier and softer in acid.

Barbera d’Alba

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Nero d’Avola

Both are made from nero d’avola, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

Nero d’Avola

Both are made from nero d’avola, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Gamay

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Something more adventurous

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Montepulciano

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

A step up

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

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.