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Wines like Amarone della Valpolicella

Dried-grape red of enormous concentration: 15–16% alcohol, dried-fruit intensity, and technically dry. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Amarone della Valpolicella?

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 rich dark fruit How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure The spice The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too savoury or funky

Clear all

What these words mean

The rich dark fruit: Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.

Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character and the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting and too drying or too tannic.

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.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Carmenère

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.

Bekaa Valley Red

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Tinta Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Amarone della Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Valpolicella

Both are made from corvina, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Barbera d’Asti

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Brunello di Montalcino

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Taurasi

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Barolo

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Mavrud

Mavrud scores closest to Amarone della Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but fresher

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

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Primitivo di Manduria

curated

Another very ripe, high-alcohol, dried-fruit Italian red.

Expect: Jammier and simpler, without the bitter-almond finish.

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 Amarone della Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tawny Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Vin Doux Naturel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Tinta Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Amarone della Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Prokupac

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Trousseau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Trincadeira

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

Barossa Shiraz

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

Tawny Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

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 more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.

Barolo

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more restrained

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

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.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more savoury

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Rhône blend

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Corvina

Both are made from corvina, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Southern Rhône blend

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Valpolicella

Both are made from corvina, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Corvina

Both are made from corvina, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Corvinone

Both are made from corvinone, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Corvina

Both are made from corvina, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Southern Rhône blend

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.

Something more adventurous

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

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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 Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.

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.