If you like this, try…
Wines like Zweigelt
Austria’s most planted red: juicy, soft and cherry-scented, bred for reliability rather than grandeur. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Zweigelt?
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 rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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.
Looking for something moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting, too peppery, too tart or sour-fruited and too light or thin.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less light or thin.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
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.
País
País scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Carignan
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.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.