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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.

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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.

I like…

The firm, grippy structure The spice The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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 peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too earthy or musty, too austere, too drying or too tannic and too oaky or woody.

You said you like the peppery, spicy character and that it is too oaky or woody. Both are about spice, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Languedoc red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
A little less oaky or woody.

Mavrud

Both are made from mavrud, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Valais Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as oaky or woody 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.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Languedoc red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Languedoc red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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 more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Trousseau

Trousseau scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Areni

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

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.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

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.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Mavrud

Both are made from mavrud, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

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.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Sangiovese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

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 earthier.

Languedoc red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Cava

Cava scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

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.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

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 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 fresher and more acidic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

Tinta Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.

Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.

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 more oaky, and drier.

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.

Rioja

Rioja scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.

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 more oaky.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both 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.

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 more aromatic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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 oaky.

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 more oaky.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc 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

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

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 tannic and structured.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Primitivo

Primitivo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

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 oaky.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

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 oaky.

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.

Southern Rhône blend

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 more oaky.

Sangiovese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Languedoc red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Languedoc red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

How these are chosen

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.