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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 earthy, savoury-mineral character and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too savoury or funky and too austere.

You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury 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 savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aglianico

curated

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

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Touriga Franca

Touriga Franca scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Has noticeably less of the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

País

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Priorat

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

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.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Southern Rhône blend

Southern Rhône blend scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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 drier.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Syrah

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

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more restrained in fruit.

Touriga Franca

Touriga Franca scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

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

Taurasi

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

Primitivo 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 more savoury.

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 more savoury.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Southern Rhône blend

Southern Rhône blend scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Priorat

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

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

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 drier.

Ribera del Duero

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

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

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.