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 oaky or woody.

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.

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 light or thin.
A little less oaky or woody.

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.

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
A little less light or thin.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

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.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.
A little less oaky or woody.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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 oaky or woody.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
A little less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
A little less light or thin.
A little less oaky or woody.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and more oaky.

Chianti Classico

curated

A comparably food-oriented Italian red with more grip.

Expect: Firmer tannin and more herbal savouriness.

Morgon

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.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Morgon

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

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.

Beaujolais

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

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

Frappato

Both come from the same country.

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

Molinara

Both come from the same country.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both come from the same country.

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

Gamay

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

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.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

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.

Similar but less tannic

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Austrian Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Chianti Classico

curated

A comparably food-oriented Italian red with more grip.

Expect: Firmer tannin and more herbal savouriness.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Similar but softer

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

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 spicier.

Montsant

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Morgon

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Barbera across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Super Tuscan

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Morgon

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

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and more oaky.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Chianti Classico

curated

A comparably food-oriented Italian red with more grip.

Expect: Firmer tannin and more herbal savouriness.

Similar but more floral

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.

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.

Cahors

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Carignan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

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

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

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.

Petite Sirah

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

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

Primitivo

Both come from the same country.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

Both come from the same country.

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

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’Asti

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 lighter, and more oaky.

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 more oaky.

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 lighter, and more oaky.

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 lighter, and fruitier.

Barbera d’Asti

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 lighter, and more oaky.

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 more oaky.

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.

Chianti Classico

curated

A comparably food-oriented Italian red with more grip.

Expect: Firmer tannin and more herbal savouriness.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Chianti

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

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

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 more oaky.

Something more adventurous

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and more oaky.

Morgon

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and more oaky.

Morgon

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

A step up

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

Chianti Classico

curated

A comparably food-oriented Italian red with more grip.

Expect: Firmer tannin and more herbal savouriness.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.

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.