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 firm tannic structure and the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too earthy or musty.
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.
Mavrud
Both are made from mavrud, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Aglianico
curatedA structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 less tannic and softer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Trousseau
Trousseau scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Australian Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Trousseau
Trousseau scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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 less tannic and softer.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and leaner and more cutting.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 stiller, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Cornalin
Cornalin scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.
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 earthier, and less spicy.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
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 less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
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 earthier, and less spicy.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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 less spicy.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 less tannic and softer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.
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.
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 less tannic and softer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
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.