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Wines like Montepulciano

An Adriatic Italian variety producing soft, deeply coloured, affordable reds — and nothing to do with the Tuscan town of the same name. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Montepulciano?

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…

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too tart or sour-fruited too soft or too easy too heavy too plain or too simple too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

The rich dark fruit: Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
The bright red fruit: Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
How smooth and soft it is: Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
That it is not oaky: No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
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 moving away from too tart or sour-fruited.

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.

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Merlot

curated

Comparable softness, plummy fruit and low tannic grip.

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Canaiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Colorino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rondinella

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Dolcetto

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Canaiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rondinella

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Dolcetto

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but less tannic

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

Marsanne

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

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

Grenache Blanc

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

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Plavac Mali

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Similar but fresher

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

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Uruguayan Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Similar but softer

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

Marsanne

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

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

Grenache Blanc

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

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

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

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 Montepulciano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

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.

Canaiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Barossa Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Barbaresco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Douro red

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Similar but more savoury

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both are made from montepulciano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both are made from montepulciano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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.

Primitivo

curated

Both are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.

Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Something more adventurous

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

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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 fresher, and fruitier.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.