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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.
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 the bright red-fruited character, that it is not too alcoholic and that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 more oaky, and fresher.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Hondarrabi Zuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more sparkling.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fuller and richer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Négrette
Négrette 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 more oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
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.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
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.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, chillable reds.
Expect: More structure and darker fruit.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Gamay
curatedBoth 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 more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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 more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less floral.
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 stronger and warmer, and less floral.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Gamay
curatedBoth are pale, light, chillable reds.
Expect: More structure and darker fruit.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Schiava across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.