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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 drying or too tannic, too heavy and too savoury or funky.

You said you like the firm tannic structure and that it is too drying or too tannic. Both are about tannin, 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 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.

Pinotage

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

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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Refosco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Nero di Troia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Malbec

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

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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Pinotage

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Refosco

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Pinotage

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Refosco

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

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

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.

Pinotage

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Refosco

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

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

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.

Refosco

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Super Tuscan

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Pinotage

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Refosco

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

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Saperavi

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Malbec

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 more restrained in fruit.

Montepulciano

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 more restrained in fruit.

Agiorgitiko

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Pinotage

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Refosco

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Ruby Port

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

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

Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vin Doux Naturel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Nero di Troia

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

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

Refosco

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

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

Bobal

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Super Tuscan

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Malbec

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

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

Syrah

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Nebbiolo

curated

A comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.

Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.

Similar but more restrained

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

Pinotage

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Refosco

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

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

Nero di Troia

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

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

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Malbec

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Syrah

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both come from the same country.

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

California Pinot Noir

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

California Rhône blend

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

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

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 both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

Both are made from sagrantino, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

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.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Malbec

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

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

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Pinotage

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

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

Refosco

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Nero di Troia

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

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

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.

Pinotage

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

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

Refosco

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Nero di Troia

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

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

A step up

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Syrah

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

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

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.