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 peppery, too jammy or sweet-tasting, too plain or too simple 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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less light or thin.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little 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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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 oaky.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) 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.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir 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.
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.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Gamay
curatedBoth 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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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 lighter, and less oaky.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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.
Bobal
Bobal scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Refosco
Refosco scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Corvinone
Corvinone scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 less oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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 less oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Zweigelt across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Ribera del Duero
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.