If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 heavy and 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.
Merlot
curatedComparable softness, plummy fruit and low tannic grip.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Canaiolo
Both come from the same country.
- Substantially less heavy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Colorino
Both come from the same country.
- Substantially less heavy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rondinella
Both come from the same country.
- Substantially less heavy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Primitivo
curatedBoth are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both are made from montepulciano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- 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.
Merlot
curatedComparable softness, plummy fruit and low tannic grip.
Expect: Higher acidity and a more rustic finish.
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Montepulciano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Primitivo
curatedBoth 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 stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Barbera d’Alba
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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.
Merlot
curatedComparable softness, plummy fruit and low tannic grip.
Expect: Higher acidity and a more rustic finish.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Colorino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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.
Aglianico
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Montepulciano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
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 lighter.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Canaiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Rondinella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Montepulciano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Primitivo
curatedBoth are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.
Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.
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
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 lighter, and fresher.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Montepulciano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
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.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Canaiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Montepulciano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Montepulciano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 lighter, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
curatedBoth are generous, affordable southern Italian reds.
Expect: Riper, jammier and higher in alcohol.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Montepulciano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Montepulciano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
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.
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.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Merlot
curatedComparable softness, plummy fruit and low tannic grip.
Expect: Higher acidity and a more rustic finish.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
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.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 stronger and warmer, and fresher.
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.
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 stronger and warmer.
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.