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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 savoury, non-fruity character and the firm tannic structure, while 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.

Tempranillo

curated

A comparable savoury, medium-to-full Mediterranean red built around cherry fruit and oak ageing.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Negroamaro

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Carignan

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Cahors

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Dão

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Lagrein

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
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.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
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.

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.

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 fruitier.

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

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 fruitier.

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Dão

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

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

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

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 fruit-driven.

Colorino

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

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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 more fruit-driven.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Similar but less tannic

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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.

Montepulciano

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.

Merlot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chilean Carmenère

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 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.

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.

Etna Rosso

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

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

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montsant

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

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

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 fruitier.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

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 fruitier.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Negroamaro

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

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

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 more tannic and structured, 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 more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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 fruitier.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Bobal

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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.

Rioja

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

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

Rioja Reserva

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

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

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 more fruit-driven.

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 fresher and more acidic, and more tannic and structured.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.

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 fruitier.

Carignan

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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 less spicy.

Similar but more floral

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

Cahors

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

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

Dão

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 more tannic and structured.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

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.

Montsant

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

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 more fruit-driven.

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 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

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 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.

Chianti Classico

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

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

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 more fruit-driven.

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.

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 fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.

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.

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.

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.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Rioja

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

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

Rioja Reserva

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

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

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 fruitier.

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Dão

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

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

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 fruitier.

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Dão

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

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

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 fruitier.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 fruitier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.