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.

← Back to Petit Verdot

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.

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 oaky or woody, too drying or too tannic and too peppery.

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.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Carignan

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Montsant

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Negroamaro

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Dão

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Dolcetto

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
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

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.

Carignan

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 floral.

Montsant

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

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 less spicy, and earthier.

Carignan

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 floral.

Montsant

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

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

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 less spicy.

Cru Beaujolais

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 less spicy.

Dolcetto

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 less spicy.

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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Cabernet Franc

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 less spicy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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 less spicy.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montsant

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

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

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 less spicy, and less floral.

Negroamaro

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Merlot

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 more oaky.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Lambrusco

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English sparkling rosé

English sparkling rosé scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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 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 less spicy, and less floral.

Morgon

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 less spicy.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from petit verdot.

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

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 tannic and softer.

Barossa Shiraz

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

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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Koshu

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

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

Pinot Blanc

Both come from the same country.

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Frappato

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

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy, and less floral.

Dolcetto

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

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Carignan

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 floral.

Dão

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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 more oaky, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Barbera d’Alba

Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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 more oaky, and less spicy.

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 more oaky, and less spicy.

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 more oaky, and less spicy.

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 more oaky, and less spicy.

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 more oaky, and less spicy.

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 more oaky, and spicier.

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 more oaky, and less spicy.

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 more oaky, and less spicy.

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 more oaky, 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.

Cru Beaujolais

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 less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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 less spicy.

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

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.

Carignan

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 floral.

Montsant

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

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 less spicy, and earthier.

Carignan

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 floral.

Montsant

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

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.