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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, the full body and weight and the savoury, non-fruity character.

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.

Madiran

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.

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 full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.

Priorat

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.

Petit Verdot

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.

Mavrud

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.

Ribera del Duero

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Madiran

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Different grape, similar feel

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

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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Petit Verdot

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 more floral.

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.

Mavrud

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Aglianico

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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)

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

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

Red Burgundy

Both come from the same country.

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

Fer Servadou

Both come from the same country.

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.

Priorat

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

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

Madiran

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 leaner and more cutting.

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Petit Verdot

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 more floral.

Similar but less tannic

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

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Douro red

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

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

Syrah

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.

Similar but fresher

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

Aglianico

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

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

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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.

Toro

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

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

Syrah

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

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

Plavac Mali

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

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

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

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

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Tannat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Madiran

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 stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be 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 Nacional

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

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

Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Super Tuscan

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

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

Bolgheri

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

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

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Syrah

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Madiran

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 aromatic.

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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Petit Verdot

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 more floral.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Toro

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Madiran

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.

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 lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Madiran

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 fresher and more acidic.

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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 lighter, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Ribera del Duero

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

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

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.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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.

Madiran

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

Madiran

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Uruguayan Tannat

Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

A step up

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

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 fruitier.

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.