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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, too oaky or woody and too drying or too tannic.

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.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

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 oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Saperavi

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 oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

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 oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Touriga Nacional

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less austere.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less austere.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less 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.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Dornfelder

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Rondo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Muscat Bailey A

Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Condrieu

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but more floral

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

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Frappato

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Similar but less floral

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot.

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from petit verdot.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Something more adventurous

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

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

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

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.