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 oaky or woody, too peppery and too savoury or funky.
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.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Aglianico
curatedA structurally close comparison: firm tannin, dark fruit and a savoury, earthy register.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Morgon
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.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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 more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
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.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
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 less oaky, and more savoury.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and more savoury.
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.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
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.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
St Laurent
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
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.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more savoury, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 more savoury.
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.