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 and the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the rich, ripe dark fruit 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.
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.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Touriga Franca
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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Touriga Franca
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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Touriga Franca
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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Canaiolo
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.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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 Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and 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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Canaiolo
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Touriga Franca
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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, 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 more savoury, and more aromatic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Canaiolo
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.
Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Canaiolo
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.
Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.
Nero d’Avola
Both are made from nero d’avola, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and 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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Touriga Franca
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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Touriga Franca
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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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 more savoury, 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 more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.