If you like this, try…
Wines like Lagrein
An Alpine Italian variety producing dark, firm, savoury reds in Alto Adige. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Lagrein?
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 full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Syrah
curatedComparable dark fruit and savoury structure at a lighter weight.
Expect: Fuller and more peppery.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Negroamaro
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Negroamaro
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Dolcetto
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 softer and rounder.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
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 more floral, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
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 spicier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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 less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Montepulciano
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 more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher and more acidic.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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 spicier, and fresher and more acidic.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 restrained in fruit.
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 herbal and green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Syrah
curatedComparable dark fruit and savoury structure at a lighter weight.
Expect: Fuller and more peppery.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Montepulciano
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 more fruit-driven.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
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 sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and sweeter.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fresher and more acidic.
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 sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Refosco
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 fresher and more acidic.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 lighter.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 less oaky, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
curatedComparable dark fruit and savoury structure at a lighter weight.
Expect: Fuller and more peppery.
Barbaresco
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 floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
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.
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 aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Negroamaro
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 broader and softer.
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 more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less 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 floral, and more aromatic.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher and more acidic.
Barolo
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 floral.
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 fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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 less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
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 spicier.
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.
Syrah
curatedComparable dark fruit and savoury structure at a lighter weight.
Expect: Fuller and more peppery.
Sangiovese
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 spicier.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Negroamaro
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Negroamaro
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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 fuller and richer, and spicier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
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.