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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.
Refine
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 it is not too alcoholic and how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too soft or too easy.
- 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Nerello Mascalese
Both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Dão
Dão scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Colorino
Both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Dolcetto
Both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- 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.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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.
Langhe 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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.
Langhe 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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.
Langhe 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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.
Langhe 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Dolcetto
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Canaiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rondinella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Blaufränkisch
Blaufränkisch scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dão
Dão scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dão
Dão scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Frappato
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Chianti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chianti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.