If you like this, try…
Wines like Barbera d’Asti
Piedmont’s everyday red at its most serious — very high acidity, almost no tannin, and built entirely for food. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Barbera d’Asti?
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 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.
- 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 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 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 moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too heavy.
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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
Barbera
curatedThe same variety in its home appellation.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less heavy.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Barbera
curatedThe same variety in its home appellation.
Expect: More structure and more oak at the top level.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
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.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Molinara
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.
Valpolicella
curatedBoth are high-acid, low-tannin Italian reds built around sour cherry and meant for the table.
Expect: Lighter, with a faintly bitter almond finish.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Super Tuscan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Uruguayan Tannat
Uruguayan Tannat scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Douro red
Douro red scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Verdicchio
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 less oaky.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 lighter, and softer and rounder.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
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 stronger and warmer.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
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 less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
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 less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barbera d’Alba
Both are made from barbera, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
California Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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
curatedThe same variety in its home appellation.
Expect: More structure and more oak at the top level.
Barbera d’Alba
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Barbera
curatedThe same variety in its home appellation.
Expect: More structure and more oak at the top level.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
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.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Super Tuscan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.