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Wines like Amarone della Valpolicella

Dried-grape red of enormous concentration: 15–16% alcohol, dried-fruit intensity, and technically dry. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Amarone della Valpolicella?

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 How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure The spice The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too savoury or funky

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".
How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
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.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.

Looking for something keeping the rich, ripe dark fruit and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting.

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.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

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.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

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.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

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 more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Barbera d’Asti

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Barbera

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Similar but fresher

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

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Similar but softer

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

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Barossa Shiraz

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

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 Amarone della Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stiller.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stiller.

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tawny Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Port

Port scores closest to Amarone della Valpolicella across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.

Cornalin

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more oaky.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Barossa Shiraz

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Tawny Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more neutral and subtle.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.

Washington Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Similar but more savoury

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

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.

Similar but fruitier

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

curated

Built from the same skins, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Much lighter and less concentrated.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Something more adventurous

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

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.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

A step up

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

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

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.