If you like this, try…
Wines like Valpolicella
Light, high-acid, sour-cherry red from the hills north of Verona — the fresh counterpart to Amarone. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Valpolicella?
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
Looking for something moving away from 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.
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 tart or sour-fruited.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially 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.
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 broader and softer, and sweeter.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Colorino
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 more tannic and structured.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Colorino
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 more tannic and structured.
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 softer and rounder.
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 more floral.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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 broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
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 softer and rounder.
Colorino
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 more tannic and structured.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
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 softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
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 softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
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 broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
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 broader and softer, and sweeter.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
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 softer and rounder.
Colorino
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 more tannic and structured.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
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 Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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 softer and rounder.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more tannic and structured.
Corvina
Both are made from corvina, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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 broader and softer, and sweeter.
Colorino
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 more tannic and structured.
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 softer and rounder.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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 softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.
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 softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
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 more herbal and green, and earthier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Molinara
Both are made from molinara, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Both are made from corvina, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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 broader and softer, and fruitier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 broader and softer, and sweeter.
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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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 fuller and richer.
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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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 more herbal and green, and earthier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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 broader and softer, and sweeter.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Colorino
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 more tannic and structured.
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 softer and rounder.
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 broader and softer, and sweeter.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Colorino
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 more tannic and structured.
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 softer and rounder.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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.