If you like this, try…

Wines like Barbera d’Alba

Barbera grown in the Langhe alongside Nebbiolo, riper and rounder than the Asti version. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Barbera d’Alba

Refine

What do you like about Barbera d’Alba?

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 The bright red fruit How smooth and soft it is How fresh and crisp it is

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too tart or sour-fruited too soft or too easy too sharp or acidic too oaky or woody too austere

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".
The bright red fruit: Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
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.
How fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
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.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something keeping the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too jammy or sweet-tasting.

You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.

Barbera d’Asti

curated

The same variety a few miles west, on different soils.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Ribera del Duero

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Tannat

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Madiran

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Barbera d’Asti

curated

The same variety a few miles west, on different soils.

Expect: Riper fruit, more oak and slightly softer acidity.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

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.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir scores closest to Barbera d’Alba across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Barbera d’Alba across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Red Burgundy

Red Burgundy scores closest to Barbera d’Alba across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Areni

Areni scores closest to Barbera d’Alba across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Red Burgundy

Red Burgundy scores closest to Barbera d’Alba across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Barbera d’Alba across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.

Similar but less tannic

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

Bual

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Savagnin

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

curated

The same variety a few miles west, on different soils.

Expect: Riper fruit, more oak and slightly softer acidity.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but fresher

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

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.

Barbera d’Asti

curated

The same variety a few miles west, on different soils.

Expect: Riper fruit, more oak and slightly softer acidity.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Franciacorta

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Tawny Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

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.

Refosco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Nero di Troia

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Super Tuscan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Rioja Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

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 lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Similar but more restrained

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.

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 lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more savoury

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but fruitier

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

Super Tuscan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Barbera d’Asti

curated

The same variety a few miles west, on different soils.

Expect: Riper fruit, more oak and slightly softer acidity.

Nero d’Avola

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Barbera

Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Barbera d’Asti

curated

The same variety a few miles west, on different soils.

Expect: Riper fruit, more oak and slightly softer acidity.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Barbera d’Asti

curated

The same variety a few miles west, on different soils.

Expect: Riper fruit, more oak and slightly softer acidity.

Barbera

Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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

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

Super Tuscan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

A step up

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

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.

Super Tuscan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.