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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 peppery.

Based on what you said

Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.

Chianti Classico

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

Substantially less peppery.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Substantially less peppery.

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.

Substantially less peppery.

Chianti

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Substantially less peppery.

Rosso di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Substantially less peppery.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Substantially less peppery.

Barbera

curated

Shares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.

Substantially less peppery.

Xinomavro

curated

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

Substantially less peppery.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Chianti Classico

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 spicy, and fresher.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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 spicy, and more savoury.

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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

Chianti

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Lagrein

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bairrada Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still Pinot Noir

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Barbera

curated

Shares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.

Expect: Much softer tannin and juicier fruit — easier to drink on its own.

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

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 spicy, and lighter.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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.

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

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.

Chianti Classico

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 spicy, and more herbal and 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 spicy, and lighter.

Rosso 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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Baga

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Cava

Cava scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

Touriga Franca scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Piedirosso

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

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

Refosco

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

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy, and softer and rounder.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Tempranillo

curated

A 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 aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

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

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Barbera

curated

Shares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.

Expect: Much softer tannin and juicier fruit — easier to drink on its own.

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

Chianti Classico

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

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 less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Rosso di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

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 less spicy, and lighter.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and 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.

Chianti Classico

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 spicy, and fresher.

Chianti

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Barbera

curated

Shares the high acidity and Italian food-friendliness without the tannic grip.

Expect: Much softer tannin and juicier fruit — easier to drink on its own.

Barbaresco

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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 Riserva

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 spicy, and more savoury.

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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

Rosso di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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 spicy, and more savoury.

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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

Rosso di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Chianti Classico 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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chianti Classico

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 spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Barbaresco

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

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

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.