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Wines like Tannat

One of the most tannic wine grapes in commercial use, native to south-west France and the national variety of Uruguay. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Tannat?

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…

The firm, grippy structure How full and weighty it is The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too heavy too oaky or woody too earthy or musty too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

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.
How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
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 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.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something keeping the firm tannic structure and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too heavy, too drying or too tannic and too austere.

You said you like the firm tannic structure and that it is too drying or too tannic. Both are about tannin, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Saperavi

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Touriga Franca

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Pinotage

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Sagrantino

curated

Umbria’s Sagrantino is the other contender for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
More heavy, not less.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

A structured, tannic red in the same family of wines but far more widely available.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Cahors

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the firm tannic structure.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Sagrantino

curated

Umbria’s Sagrantino is the other contender for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.

Expect: Higher acidity and more overtly Italian savoury character.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Sangiovese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but softer

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Languedoc red

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

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 less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English sparkling rosé

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Sagrantino

curated

Umbria’s Sagrantino is the other contender for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.

Expect: Higher acidity and more overtly Italian savoury character.

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

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

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

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Pinotage

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Pinot Noir

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

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but fruitier

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

Both are made from tannat, and both come from the same country.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

Both are made from tannat, and both come from the same country.

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

A structured, tannic red in the same family of wines but far more widely available.

Expect: Noticeably less tannic and more aromatic.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Something more adventurous

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Sagrantino

curated

Umbria’s Sagrantino is the other contender for the most tannic wine grape in commercial use.

Expect: Higher acidity and more overtly Italian savoury character.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

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.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

A step up

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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.