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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 how light and easy it feels and how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too floral or soapy.

You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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 how light and easy it feels.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Valpolicella

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Molinara

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Barbera

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.

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.

Valpolicella

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.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Valpolicella

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.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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

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

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

Valpolicella

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.

País

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.

Valpolicella

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.

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.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Molinara

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.

Valpolicella

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.

Similar but less tannic

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

Cortese

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Roditis

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Seyval Blanc

Seyval Blanc scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Ciliegiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Nerello Cappuccio

Both come from the same country.

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

Piedirosso

Both come from the same country.

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

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Valpolicella

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 lighter in alcohol.

Molinara

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.

Barbera

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.

English still Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both come from the same country.

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

Montepulciano

Both come from the same country.

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

Dolcetto

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

English Blanc de Blancs

English Blanc de Blancs scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but sweeter

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

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat Bailey A

Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Barbera

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.

Valpolicella

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.

Barbera d’Asti

Both come from the same country.

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

Egri Bikavér

Egri Bikavér scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, chillable reds.

Expect: More structure and darker fruit.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Malbec

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

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.

Pinot Grigio

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 fuller and richer.

Gavi

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 fuller and richer.

Cortese

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 fuller and richer.

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more floral

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

Frappato

Both come from the same country.

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both come from the same country.

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

Négrette

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Poulsard

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

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

Valpolicella

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

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Beaujolais

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

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ciliegiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Nerello Cappuccio

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, chillable reds.

Expect: More structure and darker fruit.

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

Valpolicella

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.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Valpolicella

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.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Barbera

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.

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both come from the same country.

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

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.