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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 moving away from 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.

Ciliegiolo

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Nerello Cappuccio

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Jaen

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Piedirosso

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Barbera

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Castelão

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Frühburgunder

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Négrette

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

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.

Ciliegiolo

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

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

Nerello Cappuccio

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

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

Jaen

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

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

Piedirosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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.

Ciliegiolo

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

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

Nerello Cappuccio

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

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

Jaen

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

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

Piedirosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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.

Ciliegiolo

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

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

Nerello Cappuccio

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

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

Piedirosso

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

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

Barbera

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

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

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.

Barbera

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

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

Etna Rosso

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 earthier.

Nerello Mascalese

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 earthier.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Aglianico

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 tannic and structured.

Alentejo red

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

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

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

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 more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Grillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.

Pecorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.

Clairette

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Aglianico

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 tannic and structured.

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Barbera

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

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 more oaky.

Similar but softer

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more tannic and structured.

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 fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Lambrusco

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 stiller.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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 stiller.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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 sweeter.

Similar but sweeter

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

Corvinone

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.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Aglianico

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 tannic and structured.

Alentejo red

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

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

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.

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 more tannic and structured.

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 more tannic and structured.

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 more tannic and structured.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, chillable reds.

Expect: More structure and darker fruit.

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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 less tannic and softer.

Pinot Blanc

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

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

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 more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.

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 more tannic and structured.

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 more tannic and structured.

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 more tannic and structured.

Similar but less floral

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Aglianico

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 tannic and structured.

Alentejo red

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

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

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.

Similar but more savoury

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

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Dão

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

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

Etna Rosso

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 more savoury.

Similar but fruitier

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

Ciliegiolo

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

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

Frühburgunder

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

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

Jaen

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

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

Négrette

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.

Barbera

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

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, chillable reds.

Expect: More structure and darker fruit.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Ciliegiolo

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

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

Nerello Cappuccio

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

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

Jaen

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

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

Piedirosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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.

Ciliegiolo

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

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

Nerello Cappuccio

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

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

Jaen

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

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

Piedirosso

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

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

A step up

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

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 more tannic and structured.

Barbera

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

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

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 more tannic and structured.

Brunello di Montalcino

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 tannic and structured.

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.