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.

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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 keeping the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too peppery and too tart or sour-fruited.

You said you like the rich, ripe dark fruit and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Bonarda

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Corvinone

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Tinta Barroca

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Touriga Franca

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Rondinella

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

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Colorino

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

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Canaiolo

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

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
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.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

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.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

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.

Grolleau

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Portugieser

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Cinsault

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

País

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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.

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More floral and granitic.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Similar but less tannic

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

Graciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fruitier.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Glera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Merlot

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

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

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 more savoury, and fresher.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Gamay

curated

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

Expect: More floral and granitic.

Similar but more restrained

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Tinta Barroca

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.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Canaiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Cabernet Franc

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.

Zweigelt

Both are made from zweigelt, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Zweigelt

Both are made from zweigelt, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 more savoury.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Something more adventurous

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

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

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

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.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

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

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 more savoury.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

Rioja Crianza

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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.