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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 firm tannic structure and the full body and weight, while moving away from 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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.

Mavrud

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.

Nebbiolo

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.

Aglianico

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.

Barolo

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.

Barbaresco

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.

Taurasi

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
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.

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.

Mavrud

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Mavrud

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Aglianico

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

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

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.

Mavrud

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

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.

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

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

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mavrud

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

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 tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Syrah

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

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Aglianico

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Syrah

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

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

Mourvèdre

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

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

Malbec

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

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

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 tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Mavrud

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

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.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Nero di Troia

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

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

Cornalin

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

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Mavrud

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Aglianico

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

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

Taurasi

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

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

Frappato

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

Mavrud

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Aglianico

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

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

Taurasi

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Barolo

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

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

Taurasi

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Aglianico

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from petit verdot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot.

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from petit verdot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from petit verdot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from petit verdot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

Both are made from petit verdot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Mavrud

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

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

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Expect: Even more tannic, and less floral.

Aglianico

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

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

Taurasi

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

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

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.

Mavrud

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

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

Aglianico

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

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

Taurasi

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

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

Baga

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

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

A step up

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

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.