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 savoury, non-fruity character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too austere.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less austere.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less austere.
Aglianico
curatedA structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
Nebbiolo
curatedBoth are high-tannin, high-acid varieties that need time and reward it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
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 tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
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 less tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer.
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.
Baga
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.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
Dalmatian Plavac Mali scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 less tannic and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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 less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
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 fuller and richer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo 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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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 drier, and less tannic and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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 drier, and less tannic and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Ribera del Duero
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 less tannic and softer.
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.