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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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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.

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 keeping the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too soft or too easy and too plain or too simple.

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.

Blaufränkisch

curated

Its parent, and the serious version of the same flavour family.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Blaufränkisch

curated

Its parent, and the serious version of the same flavour family.

Expect: Firmer, more structured and more ageworthy.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Blaufränkisch

curated

Its parent, and the serious version of the same flavour family.

Expect: Firmer, more structured and more ageworthy.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

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.

Beaujolais

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

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

Valpolicella

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

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

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

País

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less tannic

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

Barbera

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Gamay

curated

Both are light, juicy, high-acid reds designed for early drinking.

Expect: More floral and granitic.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Madiran

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Petite Sirah

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 more savoury, and less oaky.

Bairrada Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Blaufränkisch

curated

Its parent, and the serious version of the same flavour family.

Expect: Firmer, more structured and more ageworthy.

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Similar but softer

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Blaufränkisch

curated

Its parent, and the serious version of the same flavour family.

Expect: Firmer, more structured and more ageworthy.

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 more savoury, and less oaky.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

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.

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Bobal

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Super Tuscan

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.

Pinotage

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.

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

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 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.

Blaufränkisch

curated

Its parent, and the serious version of the same flavour family.

Expect: Firmer, more structured and more ageworthy.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Similar but more floral

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Blaufränkisch

curated

Its parent, and the serious version of the same flavour family.

Expect: Firmer, more structured and more ageworthy.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Bairrada Baga

Bairrada Baga scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

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 less oaky.

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 less oaky.

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.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Blaufränkisch

curated

Its parent, and the serious version of the same flavour family.

Expect: Firmer, more structured and more ageworthy.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

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.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.