If you like this, try…
Wines like Refosco
A Friulian variety producing dark, high-acid reds with a distinctive bitter-plum edge. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Refosco?
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.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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 keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too sharp or acidic.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
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 softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Uruguayan Tannat
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 more oaky, and spicier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more sparkling.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and leaner and more cutting.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.
Nero di Troia
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 spicier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Refosco across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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 softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Refosco across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.