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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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too floral or soapy 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.

Poulsard

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Tinto Cão

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Tibouren

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

País

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Ciliegiolo

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Nerello Cappuccio

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Portugieser

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Piedirosso

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.

Poulsard

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Tibouren

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

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

País

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Poulsard

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Tibouren

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

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

País

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

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

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.

Poulsard

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Molinara

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

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

Poulsard

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Ciliegiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Tibouren

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Portugieser

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Ciliegiolo

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.

Similar but less tannic

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

Friulano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Pecorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Roditis

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

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

Grillo

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.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tinto Cão

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Refosco

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.

Ciliegiolo

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.

Nerello Cappuccio

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.

Similar but fresher

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

Molinara

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

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

Chianti

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.

Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.

Similar but softer

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

Portugieser

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

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

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Montepulciano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

English Blanc de Blancs

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 fuller and richer, and less floral.

Portugieser

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

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Zweigelt

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

St Laurent

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, chillable reds.

Expect: More structure and darker fruit.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Similar but more restrained

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

Pinot Grigio

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 fuller and richer.

Cortese

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

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

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Similar but more floral

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

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.

Frappato

Both come from the same country.

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

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

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.

Ciliegiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Nerello Cappuccio

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Piedirosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Poulsard

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Poulsard

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

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

País

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

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

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Similar but fruitier

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

Ciliegiolo

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.

Nerello Cappuccio

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.

Piedirosso

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.

Frühburgunder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

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.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, chillable reds.

Expect: More structure and darker fruit.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Something more adventurous

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

Poulsard

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Tibouren

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

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

País

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

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

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.

Poulsard

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Tibouren

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

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

País

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

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

A step up

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Sangiovese

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

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.