If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too austere and too drying or too tannic.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, 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.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- 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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
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.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
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 less floral.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 less floral.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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 more tannic and structured.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Touriga Franca
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 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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from petit verdot, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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 more floral, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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.