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, while moving away from too light or thin and too sharp or acidic.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.
Corvina
Both are made from corvina, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Both are made from corvina, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, 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.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Amarone della Valpolicella
curatedThe same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.
- Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 spicier, and sweeter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, 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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
curatedThe same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.
Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more aromatic.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 spicier, 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
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 spicier, and sweeter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
curatedThe same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.
Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Barbera d’Alba
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 more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Soave Classico
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 more savoury.
Fiano
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 more floral.
Fiano di Avellino
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 more floral.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Amarone della Valpolicella
curatedThe same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.
Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
curatedThe same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.
Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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 spicier, and more oaky.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, 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 less oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
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.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, 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.
Bobal
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.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Nero di Troia
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 more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 less oaky, and spicier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
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 fresher and more acidic, 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 fresher and more acidic, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
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 more tannic and structured.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more aromatic, and spicier.
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 more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Barbaresco
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 more tannic and structured.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Nebbiolo
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 more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more herbal and green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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.
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 spicier, and sweeter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, 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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
curatedThe same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.
Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Amarone della Valpolicella
curatedThe same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.
Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.
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 spicier, and sweeter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, 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 restrained in fruit.
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 Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more herbal and green.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more herbal and green.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 spicier, and sweeter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, 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.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
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.
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 spicier, and sweeter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, 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.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
curatedThe same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.
Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more herbal and green.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more herbal and green.
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.