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 how light and easy it feels and that it is not too alcoholic, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming.

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.

Poulsard

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

Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Frappato

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.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

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.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
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.

Poulsard

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Frappato

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 earthier.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Frappato

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Poulsard

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Frappato

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.

Grolleau

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

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.

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 earthier.

Frappato

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Cinsault

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 lighter in alcohol.

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.

Similar but less tannic

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

Roditis

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cortese

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.

Jacquère

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Hondarrabi Zuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Etna Rosso

Both come from the same country.

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

Nerello Mascalese

Both come from the same country.

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

Tinto Cão

Tinto Cão scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fresher

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

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.

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

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.

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Négrette

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

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

Canaiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Dolcetto

Both come from the same country.

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

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 lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Glera

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 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.

Tinto Cão

Tinto Cão scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

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 spicier.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and earthier.

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.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Cortese

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.

Jacquère

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gavi

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 more floral

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

Frappato

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.

Négrette

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.

Langhe Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Dão

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

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.

Poulsard

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

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

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fruitier

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

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Frappato

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ciliegiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

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

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.

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

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

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

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

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 earthier.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Frappato

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.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Poulsard

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Frappato

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.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

A step up

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

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.