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 and too peppery.
- 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.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
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 peppery.
Jaen
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 peppery.
Bierzo Mencía
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 peppery.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Naoussa Xinomavro
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 peppery.
Xinomavro
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 peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less floral, and spicier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
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 less floral, and less spicy.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from petit verdot, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
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.