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 keeping that it is not too alcoholic, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Nero d’Avola
Both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Roero Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Macabeo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Merlot
Merlot scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Nero d’Avola
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, chillable reds.
Expect: More structure and darker fruit.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, chillable reds.
Expect: More structure and darker fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Crianza
Rioja Crianza scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.