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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 moving away from too soft or too easy, too sharp or acidic, too alcoholic or warming and too plain or too simple.

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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

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 in alcohol, and less oaky.

Poulsard

Poulsard scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.

English still Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but less tannic

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

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 lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

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 lighter in alcohol.

Similar but softer

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Bobal

Bobal scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Tinto Cão

Tinto Cão scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Nero di Troia

Both come from the same country.

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

Corvinone

Both are made from corvinone, and both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

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 lighter in alcohol.

Bolgheri

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 lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more floral

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Red Bordeaux

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.

Valpolicella Ripasso

Both are made from corvina, and both come from the same country.

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

Corvinone

Both are made from corvinone, and both come from the same country.

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

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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

curated

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

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

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.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

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.