If you like this, try…
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.
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 full body and weight and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too earthy or musty 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.
Tannat
curatedThe two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- 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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- 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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- More oaky or woody, not less.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- More oaky or woody, not less.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the full body and weight, 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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- More oaky or woody, not less.
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
curatedThe two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.
Expect: Slightly less acidic and more overtly dark-fruited.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tannat
curatedThe two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.
Expect: Slightly less acidic and more overtly dark-fruited.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
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.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Refosco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Bobal
Bobal scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Refosco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Bobal
Bobal scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Amarone della Valpolicella
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 spicier.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rosso di Montalcino
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.
Refosco
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.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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 lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Tannat
curatedThe two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.
Expect: Slightly less acidic and more overtly dark-fruited.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
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 lighter.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Bobal
Bobal scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
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.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
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.
Super Tuscan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Tannat
curatedThe two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.
Expect: Slightly less acidic and more overtly dark-fruited.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more 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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
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 lighter.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Primitivo
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 spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tannat
curatedThe two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.
Expect: Slightly less acidic and more overtly dark-fruited.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Tannat
curatedThe two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.
Expect: Slightly less acidic and more overtly dark-fruited.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and 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 spicier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
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.