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, while moving away from too austere and too peppery.
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.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Aglianico
curatedA structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Nebbiolo
curatedBoth are high-tannin, high-acid varieties that need time and reward it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Aglianico
curatedA structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.
Expect: Aglianico is more volcanic and mineral; Mavrud is denser and more herbal.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Aglianico
curatedA structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.
Expect: Aglianico is more volcanic and mineral; Mavrud is denser and more herbal.
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more sparkling.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
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
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.
Saperavi
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Aglianico
curatedA structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.
Expect: Aglianico is more volcanic and mineral; Mavrud is denser and more herbal.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
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.
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Aglianico
curatedA structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.
Expect: Aglianico is more volcanic and mineral; Mavrud is denser and more herbal.
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.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Aglianico
curatedA structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.
Expect: Aglianico is more volcanic and mineral; Mavrud is denser and more herbal.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
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.