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 floral or soapy and too alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
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.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Cinsault
Cinsault scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
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 earthier.
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 earthier.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
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 sweeter.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
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 earthier.
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 earthier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Oregon 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 lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
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 earthier.
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 earthier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, 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 sweeter.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Sagrantino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
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.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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 broader and softer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Oregon 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 lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
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 earthier.
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.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
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 earthier.
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less 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.