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 light and easy it feels, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Beaujolais
curatedBoth are light, high-acid, red-fruited wines made for immediate drinking.
Expect: More granitic and floral, with banana notes if carbonic.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Red Burgundy
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Barbera d’Asti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvina
Both are made from corvina, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Molinara
Both are made from molinara, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Nerello Cappuccio
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
California Rhône blend
California Rhône blend scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Primitivo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
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.
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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Both are made from corvina, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Corvinone
Both are made from corvinone, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Beaujolais
curatedBoth are light, high-acid, red-fruited wines made for immediate drinking.
Expect: More granitic and floral, with banana notes if carbonic.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
curatedThe same grapes from the same hills, dried before fermentation.
Expect: Enormously more concentrated, at 15–16% alcohol.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.