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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 moving away from too heavy, too oaky or woody and too floral or soapy.

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.

Cabernet Franc

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

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Cahors

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

A little less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Gamay

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

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

A little less heavy.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Pinot Meunier

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

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Cahors

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 spicy.

Gamay

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 spicy.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Cahors

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 spicy.

Gamay

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 spicy.

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.

Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Gamay

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 spicy.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Similar but fresher

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grenache

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 floral.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 oaky, and lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Champagne

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Pinot Meunier

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Fer Servadou

Both come from the same country.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.

Rioja Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.

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 more oaky.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Similar but more restrained

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.

Frappato

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.

Similar but less floral

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

Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Gamay

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 spicy.

Cahors

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 spicy.

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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Carignan

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

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Zinfandel

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

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

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 less floral, and more oaky.

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 less floral, and more oaky.

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 less floral, 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 less floral, and more oaky.

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 less floral, and more oaky.

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 less floral, and more oaky.

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 less floral, and more oaky.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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 less floral, and more oaky.

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 less floral, and more oaky.

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 less floral, and more oaky.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

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.

Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Gamay

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 spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grenache

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 floral.

Something more adventurous

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Cahors

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 spicy.

Dolcetto

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 less oaky, 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.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 spicy.

Cahors

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 spicy.

Dolcetto

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 less oaky, and lighter.

A step up

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

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

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 less floral, and more oaky.

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.