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 how light and easy it feels and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels 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.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
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 less oaky.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
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.
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 in alcohol, and less oaky.
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 fresher.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Egri Bikavér
Egri Bikavér scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
Blaufränkisch
Blaufränkisch scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
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 more tannic and structured.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 fresher.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Oregon Pinot Noir
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 fuller and richer.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Merlot
Merlot scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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 fruitier.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
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.
Corvina
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.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 fruitier.
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 fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
Mencía
Mencía scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Zweigelt
Zweigelt scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
St Laurent
St Laurent scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 fruitier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
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.