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Wines like Petit Verdot

A late-ripening Bordeaux variety used in small proportions for colour, tannin and violet aromatics. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Petit Verdot?

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 How full and weighty it is The floral character

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too heavy too oaky or woody too floral or soapy too peppery 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.
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.
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 floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
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.
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 full body and weight, while moving away from too austere and too heavy.

You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, 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.

Touriga Franca

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
A little less heavy.

Tinta Barroca

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
A little less heavy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less heavy.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less heavy.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less austere.
About as heavy as the wine you started from.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
A little less heavy.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
A little less heavy.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
A little less heavy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Similar but less tannic

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

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 stronger and warmer.

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Vouvray

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

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 stronger and warmer.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Rioja

Rioja scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Gewürztraminer

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Sémillon

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

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

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Gewürztraminer

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more savoury

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

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Primitivo

Primitivo scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

Both are made from petit verdot.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from petit verdot.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

Both are made from petit verdot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from petit verdot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

Both are made from petit verdot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from petit verdot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

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 Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Its blending partner, sharing structure, dark fruit and oak affinity.

Expect: Slightly less tannic and less floral, with cassis rather than violet.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from petit verdot, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Something more adventurous

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

A step up

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from petit verdot, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

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.