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 bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too sharp or acidic.

You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too sharp or acidic. 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.

California Pinot Noir

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Nero d’Avola

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Zinfandel

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

California Rhône blend

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Rioja Crianza

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Nemea Agiorgitiko

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

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 more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

Zinfandel

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

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

California Rhône blend

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

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 more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

Zinfandel

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

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

California Rhône blend

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

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

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.

Dolcetto

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

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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 fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Similar but less tannic

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pošip

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

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

Vidal

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Bolgheri

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 tannic and structured.

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montsant

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

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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 more herbal and green.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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 more restrained in fruit.

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Similar but softer

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

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 fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Franciacorta

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Ruby Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.

Zinfandel

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

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.

Corvinone

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

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

Nero di Troia

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

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

Trincadeira

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.

Bolgheri

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 tannic and structured.

Pinotage

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Malbec

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

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

Syrah

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Morgon

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 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.

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

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 more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Zinfandel

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

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

California Rhône blend

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.

Malbec

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

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

Syrah

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more savoury

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

Negroamaro

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

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

Languedoc red

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 more restrained in fruit.

Fetească Neagră

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

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

Mavrud

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Zinfandel

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Petite Sirah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

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 both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.

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.

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Zinfandel

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 more restrained in fruit.

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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 more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

California Rhône blend

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

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

Nemea Agiorgitiko

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 more restrained in fruit.

Montsant

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

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

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 more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

California Rhône blend

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

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

Nemea Agiorgitiko

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 more restrained in fruit.

Montsant

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

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

A step up

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

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 fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.

Priorat

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

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

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.