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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.

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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.

I like…

How fresh and crisp it is The firm, grippy structure The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or acidic too oaky or woody too green or grassy too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

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, too peppery and too savoury or funky.

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.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Montsant

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Corvinone

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Merlot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less peppery.
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.

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.

Montsant

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

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 less spicy.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

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.

Montsant

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

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 less spicy.

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 less spicy.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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.

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

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 spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

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 softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

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 less spicy.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Merlot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Barbera

curated

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Barbera d’Asti

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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.

Montepulciano

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 less spicy.

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 softer and rounder, and less spicy.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

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.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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 less spicy.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

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.

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 less spicy.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Castelão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

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 spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Morgon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.

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 spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Trebbiano 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 spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

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.

Xinomavro

curated

A 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 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.

Naoussa Xinomavro

Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

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.

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 softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Montsant

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montepulciano

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 less spicy.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Chianti

Both are made from sangiovese, and 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 less spicy.

Rosso di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and 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 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 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 fresher and more acidic, 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.

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 less spicy.

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.

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.

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 softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Merlot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Montsant

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montepulciano

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 less spicy.

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 less spicy.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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.

Montsant

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montepulciano

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 less spicy.

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 less spicy.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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 spicier.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

How these are chosen

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.