If you like this, try…
Wines like Rondinella
A reliable Valpolicella blending variety contributing colour and resistance to rot during drying. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Rondinella?
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 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".
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- 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.
- 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 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 oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
Looking for something moving away from too plain or too simple, too jammy or sweet-tasting and too light or thin.
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.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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
País scores closest to Rondinella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Rondinella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Rondinella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Rondinella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both are made from rondinella, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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 lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both are made from rondinella, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both are made from rondinella, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Valpolicella
Both are made from rondinella, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both are made from rondinella, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Both are made from rondinella, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both are made from rondinella, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Both are made from rondinella, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.