If you like this, try…
Wines like Sangiovese
Italy’s most planted variety and the grape behind Chianti and Brunello — high in acid, firm in tannin, and built for food. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Sangiovese?
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
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- 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.
- 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 herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- 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.
Looking for something moving away from too earthy or musty and too peppery.
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.
Barbera
curatedShares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Barbera
curatedShares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.
Expect: Much softer tannin and juicier fruit — easier to drink on its own.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Barbera
curatedShares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.
Expect: Much softer tannin and juicier fruit — easier to drink on its own.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Molinara
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Molinara
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera
curatedShares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.
Expect: Much softer tannin and juicier fruit — easier to drink on its own.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera
curatedThey occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gavi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Xinomavro
curatedA high-acid, tannic, tomato-and-olive-scented red that occupies very similar territory.
Expect: Even more austere when young, with a distinctly Greek savoury character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barbera
curatedShares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.
Expect: Much softer tannin and juicier fruit — easier to drink on its own.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Barbera
curatedShares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.
Expect: Much softer tannin and juicier fruit — easier to drink on its own.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.