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Wines like Sagrantino

Umbria’s ferociously tannic variety, with among the highest measured tannin levels of any wine grape. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Sagrantino?

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 savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too heavy too oaky or woody too earthy or musty too savoury or funky too sweet

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 savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
The earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
The touch of sweetness: Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.

Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too earthy or musty, too oaky or woody and too savoury or funky.

You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Toro

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Dolcetto

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less oaky or woody.
A little less savoury or funky.

Tannat

curated

The two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less oaky or woody.
A little less savoury or funky.

Touriga Nacional

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
More oaky or woody, not less.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Refosco

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less savoury or funky.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less savoury or funky.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Both are made from sagrantino, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
About as savoury or funky 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.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Dolcetto

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tannat

curated

The two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.

Expect: Slightly less acidic and more overtly dark-fruited.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Dolcetto

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.

Dolcetto

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Refosco

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 oaky.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Refosco

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 oaky.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

Fer Servadou scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but less tannic

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

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but fresher

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

Refosco

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 oaky.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 savoury.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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 savoury.

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 more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montepulciano

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stiller.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Dolcetto

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Refosco

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 oaky.

Similar but sweeter

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

Vintage Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ruby Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Refosco

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

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Bolgheri

Both come from the same country.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Shiraz

Shiraz scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more restrained in fruit.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Dolcetto

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Refosco

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 oaky.

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 spicier, and more oaky.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.

Similar but more savoury

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Xinomavro

Xinomavro scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Taurasi

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Barolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

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 more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more fruit-driven.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Both are made from sagrantino, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Both are made from sagrantino, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Dolcetto

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tannat

curated

The two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.

Expect: Slightly less acidic and more overtly dark-fruited.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Dolcetto

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

A step up

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both come from the same country.

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.

Argentine Malbec

Argentine Malbec scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.