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.
Refine
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 savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too oaky or woody, too savoury or funky and too drying or too tannic.
- 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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 savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Montepulciano
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 savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- More oaky or woody, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Refosco
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 savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More oaky or woody, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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.
Montepulciano
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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.
Montepulciano
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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.
Montepulciano
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.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more restrained in fruit.
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.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Refosco
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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
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 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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
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 lighter, 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 lighter, and more savoury.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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.
Montepulciano
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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and spicier.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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.
Montepulciano
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
Vin Doux Naturel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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 lighter.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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 lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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 more oaky, and drier.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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.
Montepulciano
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Northern Rhône Syrah
Northern Rhône Syrah scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Taurasi
Both come from the same country.
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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Primitivo
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.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montepulciano
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Montepulciano
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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 spicier, and more savoury.
Primitivo
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 more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
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.