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 light or thin, too jammy or sweet-tasting, too tart or sour-fruited and too peppery.
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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fresher.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montsant
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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
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 spicier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
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
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 fruitier, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fresher, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fresher, and less spicy.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah 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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
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.