If you like this, try…
Wines like Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Sicily’s only DOCG: a blend of Nero d’Avola and the floral, delicate Frappato, pale and perfumed. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Cerasuolo di Vittoria?
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.
- The rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- 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.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- 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 floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
Looking for something keeping the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too light or thin.
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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, 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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, 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.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cinsault
Cinsault scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.
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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, 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, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Nerello Mascalese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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 less floral.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Sagrantino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, 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, and more savoury.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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.
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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, 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, and more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, 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, and more tannic and structured.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.