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 sharp or acidic.
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.
Tempranillo
curatedA comparable savoury, medium-to-full Mediterranean red built around cherry fruit and oak ageing.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tempranillo
curatedA comparable savoury, medium-to-full Mediterranean red built around cherry fruit and oak ageing.
Expect: Softer acidity and rounder tannin, with leather and vanilla rather than tomato leaf.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tempranillo
curatedA comparable savoury, medium-to-full Mediterranean red built around cherry fruit and oak ageing.
Expect: Softer acidity and rounder tannin, with leather and vanilla rather than tomato leaf.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
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 sweeter, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Tempranillo
curatedA comparable savoury, medium-to-full Mediterranean red built around cherry fruit and oak ageing.
Expect: Softer acidity and rounder tannin, with leather and vanilla rather than tomato leaf.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tempranillo
curatedA comparable savoury, medium-to-full Mediterranean red built around cherry fruit and oak ageing.
Expect: Softer acidity and rounder tannin, with leather and vanilla rather than tomato leaf.
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 softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less floral.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
California Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Brunello 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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Brunello 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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Tempranillo
curatedA comparable savoury, medium-to-full Mediterranean red built around cherry fruit and oak ageing.
Expect: Softer acidity and rounder tannin, with leather and vanilla rather than tomato leaf.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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.