If you like this, try…

Wines like Barbera

Piedmont’s everyday red: deeply coloured, very high in acidity and low in tannin — the opposite structure to Nebbiolo. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Barbera

Refine

What do you like about Barbera?

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

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too sharp or acidic too soft or too easy too light or thin too oaky or woody too austere

Clear all

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 light it is: A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
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 light or thin and too tart or sour-fruited.

You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the bright red-fruited character 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.
You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about body, 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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Chianti Classico

curated

A comparably food-oriented Italian red with more grip.

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less light or thin.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Sangiovese

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Aglianico

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Taurasi

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Nebbiolo

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Barolo

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially 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.

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 in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico

curated

A comparably food-oriented Italian red with more grip.

Expect: Firmer tannin and more herbal savouriness.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Different grape, similar feel

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

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 in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Valpolicella

curated

Both are high-acid, sour-cherry northern Italian reds built for food.

Expect: Lighter and more almond-scented.

País

País scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Tibouren

Tibouren scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Portugieser

Portugieser scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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 across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Cru Beaujolais

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Barbera d’Alba

Both are made from barbera, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Rioja

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 lighter in alcohol.

Similar but less tannic

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

Douro white

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.

Encruzado

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

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

Savagnin

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Chianti Classico

curated

A comparably food-oriented Italian red with more grip.

Expect: Firmer tannin and more herbal savouriness.

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 in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but softer

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

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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Rioja

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 lighter in alcohol.

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 broader and softer, and fruitier.

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 broader and softer.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 stiller, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but sweeter

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

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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Tawny Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Bobal

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Cornalin

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Corvinone

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja

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 lighter in alcohol.

Rioja Reserva

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 lighter in alcohol.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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 lighter in alcohol.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.

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 in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico

curated

A comparably food-oriented Italian red with more grip.

Expect: Firmer tannin and more herbal savouriness.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but fruitier

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 in alcohol.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

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.

Barbera d’Alba

Both are made from barbera, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Barbera d’Asti

Both are made from barbera, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Barbera

Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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 in alcohol.

Barbera d’Asti

Both are made from barbera, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Barbera

Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Something more adventurous

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

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 in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

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 in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

A step up

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

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

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.