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 how smooth and easy it is to drink, while 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.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Rondinella
Both are made from rondinella, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Beaujolais
curatedBoth are light, high-acid, red-fruited wines made for immediate drinking.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- 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.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 more tannic and structured.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Vermentino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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 more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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 broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.
Glera
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 lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
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 broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde 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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured.
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.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Beaujolais
curatedBoth are light, high-acid, red-fruited wines made for immediate drinking.
Expect: More granitic and floral, with banana notes if carbonic.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.