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 heavy, too soft or too easy and too sharp or acidic.
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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- 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.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Bolgheri
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Uruguayan Tannat
Uruguayan Tannat scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Glera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more herbal and green.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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 fresher and more acidic.
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.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
California Pinot Noir
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Super Tuscan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Barbera d’Asti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.