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.

← Back to Schiava

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.

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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is not too alcoholic, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too soft or too easy.

You said you like that it is not too alcoholic 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.

Refosco

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Nero di Troia

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Tinto Cão

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Bobal

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Graciano

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Cornalin

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Colorino

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
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.

Refosco

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.

Nero di Troia

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.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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.

Refosco

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.

Nero di Troia

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.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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.

Refosco

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.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Nero di Troia

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.

Bobal

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

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

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.

Graciano

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

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 oaky.

Nerello Mascalese

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 oaky.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Refosco

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.

Nero di Troia

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.

Bobal

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Refosco

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.

Nero di Troia

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.

Bobal

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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.

Refosco

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.

Nero di Troia

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.

Bobal

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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.

Graciano

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

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 oaky.

Nerello Mascalese

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 oaky.

Similar but softer

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Canaiolo

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 less tannic and softer.

Dolcetto

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 oaky.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Lambrusco

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 less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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 less tannic and softer.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Refosco

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 stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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 less tannic and softer.

Corvinone

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 less tannic and softer.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Etna Rosso

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Refosco

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.

Nero di Troia

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.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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.

Graciano

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

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe 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 oaky.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Refosco

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.

Nero di Troia

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.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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.

Etna Rosso

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 oaky.

Nerello Mascalese

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 oaky.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Graciano

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

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mondeuse Noire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

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 less tannic and softer.

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

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 oaky.

Chianti Classico

Both come from the same country.

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

Sangiovese

Both come from the same country.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Refosco

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.

Nero di Troia

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.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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.

Refosco

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.

Nero di Troia

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.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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.

Chianti

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 oaky.

Chianti Classico

Both come from the same country.

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

Sangiovese

Both come from the same country.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

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.