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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 heavy, too sharp or acidic, too tart or sour-fruited, too plain or too simple and too peppery.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less peppery.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less peppery.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less peppery.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less peppery.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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 lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti Classico
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Barbera d’Asti
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
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 lighter.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 lighter, and spicier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
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 lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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 lighter.
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 fruitier, and spicier.
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 lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and spicier.
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 fruitier.
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.