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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 moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting, too sharp or acidic 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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- 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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Argentine Malbec
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 fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Barbera d’Asti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti Classico
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 lighter.
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.
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.
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.