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 keeping the floral, perfumed side and the full body and weight, while moving away from too peppery and too drying or too tannic.

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.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Douro red

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 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

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

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 spicier.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Napa Valley 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 floral, and spicier.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

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 spicier.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Graciano

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

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 spicier.

Napa Valley 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 spicier.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 floral, and lighter.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca 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

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

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

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

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

Cahors

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

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

Jaen

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley 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 spicier.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Condrieu

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

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Douro red

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malbec

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less floral, 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 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 less floral, 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 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 spicier.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Cru Beaujolais

Both come from the same country.

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Ribera del Duero

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

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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Petit Verdot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.