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.
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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 fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity 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.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little 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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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 tannic and softer.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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 tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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 fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 acidic, and fresher.
Etna Rosso
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 fresher.
Nerello Mascalese
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 fresher.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Touriga Franca
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 less floral, and fruitier.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Grigio
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 floral.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
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.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.
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 more floral, and softer and rounder.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
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 earthier, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
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.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
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.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel 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.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Nero d’Avola
Both are made from nero d’avola, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 more floral.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
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.
Bierzo Mencía
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.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
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.
Bierzo Mencía
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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
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.