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 bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming, too sharp or acidic and too floral or soapy.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too sharp or acidic. 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Zweigelt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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 broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
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 broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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 lighter.
País
Both sit in the same style family.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Muscat Bailey A
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 floral.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
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 fresher and more acidic.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Franciacorta
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 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 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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Jumilla Monastrell
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.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 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 fresher and more acidic.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato, and both come from the same country.
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 fuller and richer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Australian Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Cerasuolo di Vittoria across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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 broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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 fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 less floral, and fuller and richer.
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.