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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

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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 floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too peppery, too drying or too tannic and 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.

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 floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Douro red

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
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.

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Graciano

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.

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.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Douro red

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and less oaky.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

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.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

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

Dão

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

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Condrieu

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 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.

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Cahors

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

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Touriga Nacional

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 less floral, and lighter.

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

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 less floral.

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

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 less floral.

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 less floral.

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 less floral.

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 less floral.

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.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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.

Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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 less floral, and spicier.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.