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 earthy, savoury-mineral character and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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 more fruit-driven.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nebbiolo
curatedBoth are high-tannin, high-acid varieties that need time and reward it.
Expect: Mavrud is much darker and more overtly fruited; Nebbiolo is pale and more floral.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and 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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 more savoury.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
New Zealand Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.