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 moving away from 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 alcoholic or warming.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- 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 alcoholic or warming.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- 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 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 fuller and richer, and less floral.
Nerello Cappuccio
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and earthier.
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 fuller and richer, and less floral.
Nerello Cappuccio
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and earthier.
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 fuller and richer, and less floral.
Nerello Cappuccio
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and earthier.
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.
Barbera
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.
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.
Etna Rosso
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 tannic and structured.
Nerello Mascalese
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 tannic and structured.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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 more savoury.
Grillo
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.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Fiano
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fuller and richer, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and stiller.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.
Corvina
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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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 fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Pinot Grigio
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 tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
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.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
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.
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 fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Etna Rosso
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 tannic and structured.
Nerello Mascalese
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 tannic and structured.
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 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 fuller and richer, and less floral.
Nerello Cappuccio
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and earthier.
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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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
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 savoury.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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 fuller and richer, and less floral.
Nerello Cappuccio
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and earthier.
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 fuller and richer, and less floral.
Nerello Cappuccio
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and earthier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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.