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 sharp or acidic and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- 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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Cinsault
Cinsault scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Portugieser
Portugieser 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 and more acidic.
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.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Red Burgundy
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Etna Rosso
Both come from the same country.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 fruitier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
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 more aromatic.
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 more aromatic.
Barolo
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 more savoury.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
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.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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 lighter, 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.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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 more tannic and structured.
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.
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.
Primitivo di Manduria
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 fresher and more acidic.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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.