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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from 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.

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.

Madiran

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.

Toro

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.

Sagrantino

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.

Barbaresco

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.

Bairrada Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
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.

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Expect: Even more tannic, and less floral.

Madiran

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.

Toro

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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.

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Expect: Even more tannic, and less floral.

Madiran

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.

Toro

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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.

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Baga

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

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

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.

Fer Servadou

Both come from the same country.

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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.

Toro

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

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

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Expect: Even more tannic, and less floral.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Madiran

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 leaner and more cutting.

Similar but less tannic

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

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 tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alicante Bouschet

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.

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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.

Toro

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicy.

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 spicy.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Expect: Even more tannic, and less floral.

Similar but sweeter

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

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.

Bobal

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 spicy.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

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 more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Expect: Even more tannic, and less floral.

Madiran

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 more aromatic.

Toro

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bairrada Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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.

Toro

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

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

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, 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.

Barbaresco

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

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.

Madiran

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.

Toro

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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.

Tannat

curated

Both are exceptionally tannic French varieties that need food.

Expect: Even more tannic, and less floral.

Madiran

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.

Toro

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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.

Barbaresco

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

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

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

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.