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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.
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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 moving away from too floral or soapy, too jammy or sweet-tasting and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
País
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and lighter.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
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.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fruitier, and less floral.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
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 floral.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 in alcohol.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
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 less floral.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
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.
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.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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.