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 oaky or woody.
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
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.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
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
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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Dolcetto
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 softer and rounder.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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
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 softer and rounder.
Montepulciano
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 softer and rounder.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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
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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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 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.
Montepulciano
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 softer and rounder.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
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.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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 more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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 lighter.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Gavi
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.
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 lighter.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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 more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 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 oaky, and less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 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.
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 fuller and richer.
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 more oaky, 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 more oaky, 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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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 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 more oaky, and less spicy.
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.
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
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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.
Carignan
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.
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.
Etna Rosso
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.
Nerello Mascalese
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.
Carignan
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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
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.