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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, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too floral or soapy.

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.

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.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
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.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

English still Pinot Noir

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

Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how light and easy it feels.
About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Egri Bikavér

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Blaufränkisch

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Valpolicella

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

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Valpolicella

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

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

English still Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky.

Grolleau

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

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Valpolicella

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

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

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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 less oaky.

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

País

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.

Aligoté

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Bordeaux

White Bordeaux scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Blaufränkisch

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Dolcetto

Both come from the same country.

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

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

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 stronger and warmer.

Similar but fresher

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

Valpolicella

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Molinara

Both come from the same country.

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

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 less oaky.

Portugieser

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

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

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Agiorgitiko

Agiorgitiko 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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

English Blanc de Blancs

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky.

Portugieser

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

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

Corvina

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

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 stronger and warmer.

Egri Bikavér

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Pinot Noir

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

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

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 less oaky.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Jacquère

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.

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 more floral.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both come from the same country.

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.

Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

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

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.

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 stronger and warmer.

Similar but fruitier

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky.

Zweigelt

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

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

St Laurent

St Laurent scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

curated

Both are pale, light, chillable reds.

Expect: More structure and darker fruit.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Valpolicella

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

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Valpolicella

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

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Poulsard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.

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 stronger and warmer.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Red Burgundy

Red Burgundy scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chianti

Both come from the same country.

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