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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.
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 moving away from too oaky or woody and too drying or too tannic.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Cahors
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
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 more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Gamay
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 lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Cahors
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
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.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.
Uruguayan Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Madiran
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
Cahors
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Uruguayan Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Madiran
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cahors
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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.