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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 savoury or funky, too earthy or musty, too oaky or woody and too heavy.
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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less heavy.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less heavy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less heavy.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less heavy.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Alba
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Alba
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
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 spicier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Bolgheri
Bolgheri scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
Pinotage 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.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barbera d’Alba
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more restrained in fruit.
Uruguayan Tannat
Both are made from tannat.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
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 fuller and richer, and more savoury.
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.
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
curatedA structured, tannic red in the same family of wines but far more widely available.
Expect: Noticeably less tannic and more aromatic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
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.