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Wines like Valpolicella Ripasso
Valpolicella re-passed over the drained skins of Amarone, gaining body, alcohol and dried-fruit character. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Valpolicella Ripasso?
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.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- 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 oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
Looking for something moving away from too sharp or acidic, too peppery and too plain or too simple.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
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.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Barbera
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Chianti Classico
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Doux Naturel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Sagrantino
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 less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.
Rioja
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 spicier.
Rioja Reserva
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 spicier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.
Valpolicella
Both are made from corvina, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Corvina
Both are made from corvina, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both are made from corvina, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher and more acidic.
Corvina
Both are made from corvina, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Alentejo red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Alentejo red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and spicier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.