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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.

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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.

I like…

The rich dark fruit

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too tart or sour-fruited too light or thin too soft or too easy too plain or too simple too peppery

Clear all

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 soft or too easy and too tart or sour-fruited.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Aglianico

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

A little less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Taurasi

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

A little less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Nebbiolo

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

A little less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Barolo

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

A little less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

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

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.

Aglianico

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

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

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.

Aglianico

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

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

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 less tannic and softer.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Nebbiolo

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

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

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.

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Fer Servadou

Fer Servadou scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Red Burgundy

Red Burgundy scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Mavrud

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

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

Mourvèdre

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

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

Rioja

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

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

Tempranillo

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Tinta Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Barbera d’Alba

Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Madiran

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Similar but fresher

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

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bairrada Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aglianico

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jumilla Monastrell

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Nero di Troia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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.

Aglianico

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

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Similar but more floral

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Aglianico

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Taurasi

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Zinfandel

Zinfandel scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Primitivo

Primitivo scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Zweigelt

Both are made from zweigelt, and both come from the same country.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Zweigelt

Both are made from zweigelt, and both come from the same country.

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

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.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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.

Aglianico

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

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

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

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.

Aglianico

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

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

A step up

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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.