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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, too plain or too simple, too alcoholic or warming and too soft or too easy.

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.

Blaufränkisch

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Lagrein

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Chianti Classico

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Sangiovese

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Melnik

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Red Bordeaux

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

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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.

Lagrein

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.

Chianti Classico

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.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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.

Lagrein

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.

Chianti Classico

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.

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.

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

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

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

Egri Bikavér

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

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

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.

Chianti Classico

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.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Chianti Classico

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Egri Bikavér

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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.

Lagrein

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.

Chianti Classico

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.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Chianti Classico

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.

Similar but fresher

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

Chianti Classico

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.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Corvina

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.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Barbaresco

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 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.

Blaufränkisch

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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.

Lagrein

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.

Chianti Classico

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.

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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 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 rounder and creamier in texture, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Chianti Classico

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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.

Similar but more savoury

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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.

Chianti Classico

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.

Sangiovese

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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.

Similar but fruitier

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

St Laurent

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 Classico

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.

Sangiovese

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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.

Lagrein

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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.

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.

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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.

Lagrein

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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.

A step up

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Chianti Classico

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Sangiovese

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.

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.