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.

← Back to Mavrud

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.

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.

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.

Aglianico

curated

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

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are high-tannin, high-acid varieties that need time and reward it.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.

Mourvèdre

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

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.

Priorat

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

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.

Washington Syrah

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

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

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.

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.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less tannic and softer.

Different grape, similar feel

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

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.

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.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.

Red Burgundy

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

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

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

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.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.

Red Burgundy

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

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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 fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Ribera del Duero

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.

Similar but less tannic

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

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Chosen because you asked for something less tannic.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but fresher

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

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.

Barbaresco

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

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 herbal and green, and less tannic and softer.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and leaner and more cutting.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less tannic and softer.

Syrah

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

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

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.

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.

Melnik

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and leaner and more cutting.

Bekaa Valley Red

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

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.

Saperavi

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less tannic and softer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

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

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Rioja

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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

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

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

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.

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.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less tannic and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but more savoury

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

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

Taurasi

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

California Pinot Noir

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.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter.

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.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Something more adventurous

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

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.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less tannic and softer.

Mourvèdre

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

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

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.

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.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less tannic and softer.

Mourvèdre

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

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

A step up

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

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

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.