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.
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 the bright red-fruited character, 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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- 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 that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
Valpolicella
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.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- 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.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- 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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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 fruitier.
Grolleau
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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 fruitier.
Grolleau
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.
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 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Grolleau
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 less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
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.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Blaufränkisch
Blaufränkisch scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both come from the same country.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
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 fuller and richer, and fresher.
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 less oaky, and less floral.
Dolcetto
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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 less floral.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Corvina
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
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.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
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.
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 fuller and richer, and more floral.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Nebbiolo
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 less floral.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
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.
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 more floral, and fuller and richer.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 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 less floral.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both come from the same country.
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.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Zweigelt
Zweigelt scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
St Laurent
St Laurent scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 fuller and richer, and more floral.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, chillable reds.
Expect: More structure and darker fruit.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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 fruitier.
Grolleau
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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 fruitier.
Grolleau
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
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 fuller and richer, and more floral.
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.