If you like this, try…
Wines like Sangiovese
Italy’s most planted variety and the grape behind Chianti and Brunello — high in acid, firm in tannin, and built for food. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Sangiovese?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- The firm, grippy structure
- High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
Looking for something moving away from too peppery and too sharp or acidic.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Negroamaro
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 riper and less green.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Negroamaro
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 riper and less green.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Colorino
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 less oaky.
Rondinella
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 less oaky.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less 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.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
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 softer and rounder, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
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 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.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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 spicy.
Montepulciano
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 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.
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 riper and less green.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 sweeter.
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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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.
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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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
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 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.
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 spicier, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
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 riper and less green.
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.
Colorino
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 fruit-driven.
Corvinone
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 fruit-driven.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Tempranillo
curatedA comparable savoury, medium-to-full Mediterranean red built around cherry fruit and oak ageing.
Expect: Softer acidity and rounder tannin, with leather and vanilla rather than tomato leaf.
Similar but more 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.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Barbaresco
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 less spicy.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
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 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 fresher.
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 fresher.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
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 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.
Xinomavro
curatedA 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 fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvinone
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 less oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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
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 Riserva
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
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.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
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.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
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
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 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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 fruitier.
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.
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.