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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 and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too drying or too tannic, too oaky or woody and too peppery.

You said you like the firm tannic structure and that it is too drying or too tannic. Both are about tannin, 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

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

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

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.

Carignan

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.

Montsant

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

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

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.

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Expect: Even more tannic, and less floral.

Carignan

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.

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.

Cahors

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.

Carignan

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.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Montsant

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

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.

Cahors

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.

Carignan

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

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

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more 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.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Fer Servadou

Both come from the same country.

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

Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Montsant

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

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 lighter, and more oaky.

Similar but fresher

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

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 lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Port

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

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

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.

Cahors

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.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Carignan

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.

Graciano

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.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Cahors

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.

Carignan

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.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Montsant

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

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

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 lighter, and more oaky.

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Frappato

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

Carignan

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.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

Carignan

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Negroamaro

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

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

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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, 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 lighter, 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 lighter, and more oaky.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, 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 lighter, 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 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 lighter, and more oaky.

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 more oaky, and spicier.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, 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 lighter, 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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Expect: Even more tannic, and less floral.

Cahors

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.

Carignan

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.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

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

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.

Carignan

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.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Montsant

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

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

A step up

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.