If you like this, try…
Wines like Mavrud
Bulgaria’s most distinctive indigenous red — dark, tannic and slow to ripen, grown almost entirely around Plovdiv. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Mavrud?
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Looking for something keeping the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too austere, too earthy or musty and too drying or too tannic.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Mavrud
Both are made from mavrud, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Mavrud
Both are made from mavrud, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trousseau
Trousseau scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
Dalmatian Plavac Mali scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
Dalmatian Plavac Mali scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
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 less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 drier, and less spicy.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Mavrud
Both are made from mavrud, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
Northern Rhône Syrah scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Mavrud
Both are made from mavrud, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Mavrud
Both are made from mavrud, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
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.