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 keeping the fresh, crisp acidity and how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about body, 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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Molinara
Both are made from molinara, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Beaujolais
curatedBoth are light, high-acid, red-fruited wines made for immediate drinking.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- About as tart or sour-fruited 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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Red Burgundy
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 earthier.
Molinara
Both are made from molinara, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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 stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Red Burgundy
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 earthier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and earthier.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Red Burgundy
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 earthier.
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 stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Red Burgundy
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 earthier.
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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdicchio
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Etna Bianco
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 savoury.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
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 stronger and warmer.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
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 softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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 softer and rounder.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Crémant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more sparkling.
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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
Molinara
Both are made from molinara, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Colorino
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 broader and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Red Burgundy
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 oaky.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
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 stronger and warmer.
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.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
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 softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and earthier.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Red Burgundy
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 earthier.
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 stronger and warmer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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 softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
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 softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 softer and rounder.
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.
Red Burgundy
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 earthier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and earthier.
Beaujolais
curatedBoth are light, high-acid, red-fruited wines made for immediate drinking.
Expect: More granitic and floral, with banana notes if carbonic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Molinara
Both are made from molinara, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Molinara
Both are made from molinara, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Burgundy
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 earthier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and earthier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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.