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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.

I like…

The bright red fruit How light it is That it is not too strong How smooth and soft it is That it is not oaky

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too soft or too easy too plain or too simple too floral or soapy

Clear all

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 keeping how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too tart or sour-fruited 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.

Rondinella

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

Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less light or thin.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less light or thin.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less light or thin.

Colorino

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

Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less light or thin.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less light or thin.

Corvinone

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

Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less light or thin.

Canaiolo

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

Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less light or thin.

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
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.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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 more tannic and structured, 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.

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Muscat Bailey A

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Molinara

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

País

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Muscat Bailey A

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Chasselas

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Gris

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

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

Treixadura

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Colorino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fresher

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

Barbera

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.

Molinara

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Barbera d’Asti

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Similar but softer

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

Canaiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Lambrusco

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.

Rioja Crianza

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Barbera

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Nero d’Avola

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 tannic and structured, and more floral.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, chillable reds.

Expect: More structure and darker fruit.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.

Similar but more restrained

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

Chasselas

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

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

Palomino Fino

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

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Négrette

Négrette scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Similar but more savoury

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

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Rioja

Rioja scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fruitier

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Corvinone

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Trincadeira

Trincadeira scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Ciliegiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

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 Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, chillable reds.

Expect: More structure and darker fruit.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Rioja Crianza

Rioja Crianza scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Something more adventurous

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

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

A step up

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Barbera

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Rioja Crianza

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.