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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from too sweet.
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 firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sweet.
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 firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sweet.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sweet.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sweet.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sweet.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sweet.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sweet.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sweet.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
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.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
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 leaner and more cutting.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 drier.
Super Tuscan
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 drier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Bolgheri
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 drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
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 drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Primitivo di Manduria
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 spicier.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
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 stiller.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
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: Chosen because you asked for something drier.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vintage Port
Vintage Port scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Port
Port scores closest to Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
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: Chosen because you asked for something sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 drier, and less tannic and softer.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
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.
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 aromatic.
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.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Primitivo di Manduria
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 spicier.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
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.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
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.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
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.