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 firm tannic structure and the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too oaky or woody.
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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as oaky or woody 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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.
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.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
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.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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
Lambrusco scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, and less floral.
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 less floral.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Cahors
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 floral.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Cahors
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.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 more oaky, and spicier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from petit verdot.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from petit verdot, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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.
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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Cahors
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 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.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Cahors
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 floral.
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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
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.