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 keeping how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too heavy and too tart or sour-fruited.
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
curatedThe same variety in its home appellation.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less heavy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less heavy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Barbera d’Alba
Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
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
curatedThe same variety in its home appellation.
Expect: More structure and more oak at the top level.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Rondinella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pinot Meunier
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.
Super Tuscan
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 broader and softer.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 fruitier, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader 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.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Rioja
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Super Tuscan
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 broader and softer.
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 lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Barbera
curatedThe same variety in its home appellation.
Expect: More structure and more oak at the top level.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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 lighter.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.
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.
Barbera
curatedThe same variety in its home appellation.
Expect: More structure and more oak at the top level.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
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 broader and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.