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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.
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, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too soft or too easy and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Corvinone
Both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Rondinella
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 less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Nero di Troia
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Rondinella
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 less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Nero di Troia
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.
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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
Grolleau scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Dolcetto
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 fuller and richer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Rondinella
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Nero di Troia
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Nero di Troia
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Refosco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Molinara
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Canaiolo
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 less tannic and softer.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 fresher, and fruitier.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Colorino
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 stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Rondinella
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 less tannic and softer.
Corvinone
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Carignan
Carignan scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Negroamaro
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Areni
Areni scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Rondinella
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 less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Nero di Troia
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 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 oaky.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nero di Troia
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.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Carignan
Carignan scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Areni
Areni scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Fer Servadou
Fer Servadou scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Corvinone
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Ciliegiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Cappuccio
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Red Bordeaux
Red Bordeaux scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Rondinella
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 less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Nero di Troia
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.
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Rondinella
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 less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Nero di Troia
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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Chianti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.