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 and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from 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.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Tannat
curatedThe two are the leading contenders for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
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.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially 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.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 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 less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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 drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
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 more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Vintage 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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Nero di Troia
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 restrained in fruit.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Bolgheri
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 drier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.
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 drier, and more aromatic.
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 savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Nebbiolo
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and higher in acid.
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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro 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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Bolgheri
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 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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
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 savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.