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 keeping that it is not too alcoholic, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too tart or sour-fruited and too plain or too simple.
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Nero d’Avola
Both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
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.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 oaky, and fruitier.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Chianti Classico
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fuller and richer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Merlot
Merlot scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Agiorgitiko
Agiorgitiko scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 fuller and richer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Nero d’Avola
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Bonarda
Bonarda scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Zweigelt
Zweigelt scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Rioja Crianza
Rioja Crianza scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Merlot
Merlot scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Nero d’Avola
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Nero d’Avola
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Rioja Crianza
Rioja Crianza scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Merlot
Merlot scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.