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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 keeping the firm tannic structure and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too green or grassy.

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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are pale-ish, extremely high-acid, tannic Italian reds that demand food and time.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Brunello di Montalcino

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.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Blaufränkisch

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Saperavi

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Refosco

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Xinomavro

curated

A high-acid, tannic, tomato-and-olive-scented red that occupies very similar territory.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are pale-ish, extremely high-acid, tannic Italian reds that demand food and time.

Expect: More tannic still, more perfumed, and considerably more expensive.

Brunello di Montalcino

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 tannic and structured, 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.

Blaufränkisch

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.

Refosco

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 oaky.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are pale-ish, extremely high-acid, tannic Italian reds that demand food and time.

Expect: More tannic still, more perfumed, and considerably more expensive.

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.

Mondeuse Noire

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.

Blaufränkisch

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.

Etna Rosso

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 fresher.

Nerello Mascalese

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 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.

Mondeuse Noire

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still Pinot Noir

English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Uruguayan Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Douro red

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Similar but less tannic

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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 tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are pale-ish, extremely high-acid, tannic Italian reds that demand food and time.

Expect: More tannic still, more perfumed, and considerably more expensive.

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.

Aglianico

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 riper and less green.

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.

Etna Rosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

Similar but softer

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

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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 tannic and softer.

English sparkling rosé

English sparkling rosé scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Similar but sweeter

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

Saperavi

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.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

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 softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Cornalin

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.

Mondeuse Noire

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are pale-ish, extremely high-acid, tannic Italian reds that demand food and time.

Expect: More tannic still, more perfumed, and considerably more expensive.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 riper and less green, and more aromatic.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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 riper and less green, and more aromatic.

Brunello di Montalcino

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 tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Blaufränkisch

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Etna Rosso

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 fresher.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are pale-ish, extremely high-acid, tannic Italian reds that demand food and time.

Expect: More tannic still, more perfumed, and considerably more expensive.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Similar but fruitier

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

Blaufränkisch

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.

Mondeuse Noire

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.

Refosco

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 oaky.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 riper and less green, and fuller and richer.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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 riper and less green, and fuller and richer.

Brunello di Montalcino

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 tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Chianti

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 less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.

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 softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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 riper and less green, and lighter.

Brunello di Montalcino

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 tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 riper and less green, and lighter.

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.

Brunello di Montalcino

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 tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are pale-ish, extremely high-acid, tannic Italian reds that demand food and time.

Expect: More tannic still, more perfumed, and considerably more expensive.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Something more adventurous

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

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.

Blaufränkisch

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

Blaufränkisch

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.

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 softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.

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.