If you like this, try…
Wines like Schiava
A very pale, light Alpine red from Alto Adige, with a distinctive strawberry-and-almond character. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Schiava?
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 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.
- 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 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.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
Looking for something moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
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.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more savoury.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fuller and richer, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more savoury.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.