If you like this, try…
Wines like Aglianico
Southern Italy’s most structured red variety, producing tannic, savoury, ageworthy wines in Campania and Basilicata. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Aglianico?
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 firm, grippy structure
- High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
- 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.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
Looking for something moving away from too savoury or funky, too peppery, too sharp or acidic and too earthy or musty.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
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.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Asti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
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 spicier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
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 less spicy, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
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 less spicy, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Taurasi
Both are made from aglianico, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Aglianico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Aglianico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
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.
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.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Aglianico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
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.