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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 peppery, spicy character and the earthy, savoury-mineral character, while moving away from too earthy or musty, too austere and too peppery.

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

Pinotage

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

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.

Saperavi

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

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.

Sagrantino

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

Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.

Aglianico

curated

A structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
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.

Pinotage

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

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

Saperavi

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

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Pinotage

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

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

Saperavi

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

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Red Burgundy

Red Burgundy scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Australian 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.

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.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Red Burgundy

Red Burgundy scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Grolleau

Grolleau 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.

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.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

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.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

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

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Pinotage

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

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

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.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Sangiovese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aglianico

curated

A 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 softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

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

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

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

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

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.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

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.

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.

Pinotage

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 less spicy, and fuller and richer.

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 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 more oaky.

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.

Tinta Negra

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

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

Tinto Cão

Tinto Cão 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 oaky.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

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.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

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.

Pinotage

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

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

Saperavi

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

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

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 earthier.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Zinfandel

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

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 both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Mavrud

Both are made from mavrud, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Reserva

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 fuller and richer.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 tannic and softer.

Saperavi

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

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 tannic and softer.

Saperavi

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

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

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.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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.