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 keeping the firm tannic structure and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too sharp or acidic and 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.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Tempranillo
curatedA comparable savoury, medium-to-full Mediterranean red built around cherry fruit and oak ageing.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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 sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Pinotage
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 sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
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 sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Fetească Neagră
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 sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Montsant
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 sharp or acidic.
- 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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 less oaky, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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.
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 less oaky, and riper and less green.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
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 less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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 less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano
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 softer and rounder.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
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.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Fetească Neagră
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.
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 more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
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 stiller, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 sweeter, and fruitier.
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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
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.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
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 more restrained in fruit.
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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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 more savoury.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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.
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.
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 more aromatic, and less oaky.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
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 more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 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.
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 more savoury.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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.
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 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.
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 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 more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
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 more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 less oaky, and riper and less green.
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.
Fetească Neagră
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
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 less oaky, and riper and less green.
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.
Fetească Neagră
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, and fruitier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.