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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 peppery, too tart or sour-fruited and too heavy.
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.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less heavy.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less heavy.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less heavy.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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 fresher, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Valpolicella
Both are made from corvina, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Molinara
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
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.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
California Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
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 fuller and richer, and fresher.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both are made from corvina, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Valpolicella Ripasso across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Super Tuscan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both are made from corvina, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
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.