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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.

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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.

I like…

The bright red fruit How light it is How fresh and crisp it is How smooth and soft it is

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too light or thin too sharp or acidic too soft or too easy too alcoholic or warming too plain or too simple

Clear all

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 light and easy it feels, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too light or thin.

You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, 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 light or thin. Both are about body, 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 light or thin. Both are about alcohol, 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 noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

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 noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Barbera d’Asti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

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 how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Barbera d’Alba

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Rosso di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Refosco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

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.

Barbera d’Asti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Barbera d’Asti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more herbal and green.

Refosco

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 less oaky.

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.

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.

Barbera d’Asti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.

Barbera d’Asti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more herbal and green.

Chianti Classico

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 more herbal and green.

Graciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Agiorgitiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Aglianico

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.

Alentejo red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

The same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.

Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Greco di Tufo

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.

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.

Greco

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 less oaky.

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.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Carignan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

Chianti Classico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Agiorgitiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Alentejo red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.

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 sweeter, 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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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 stiller, and spicier.

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.

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 softer and rounder.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

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.

Refosco

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

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.

Rioja

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

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 more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.

Nebbiolo

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 more aromatic.

Barolo

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 more aromatic.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.

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.

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 more aromatic, and broader and softer.

Barbera d’Asti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Barbaresco

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.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 more tannic and structured, 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 more tannic and structured, and earthier.

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 more tannic and structured, and more savoury.

Taurasi

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 more savoury.

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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Chianti Classico

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 more herbal and green.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.

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.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

The 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.

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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

The same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.

Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.

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.

Montepulciano 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 broader and softer.

Chianti Classico

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 more herbal and green.

Sangiovese

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 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.

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.

Barbera d’Asti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

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.

Barbera d’Asti

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

The same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.

Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.

Chianti Classico

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 more herbal and green.

Sangiovese

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 more herbal and green.

Brunello di Montalcino

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.

How these are chosen

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.