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Wines like Bolgheri

Coastal Tuscan Bordeaux blends — the appellation created to give the Super Tuscan idea a legal home. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Bolgheri?

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 vanilla and oak

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too green or grassy 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".
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 herbal, green side: Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
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 vanilla, toast and oak character, while moving away from too green or grassy and too peppery.

You said you like the vanilla, toast and oak character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, 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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less green or grassy.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Uco Valley Malbec

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Barossa Shiraz

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

Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less green or grassy.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Ribera del Duero

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

Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less green or grassy.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

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

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

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 riper and less green, and spicier.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Uco Valley Malbec

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Red Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Barossa Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but less tannic

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but fresher

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Barbera d’Alba

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but softer

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Barossa Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

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 less oaky, and riper and less green.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and riper and less green.

Similar but sweeter

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

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.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Uco Valley Malbec

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Barossa Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Barolo

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Nebbiolo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but more restrained

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Uco Valley Malbec

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Barolo

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but more savoury

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

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 riper and less green, and spicier.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Chianti

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less oaky.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

Something more adventurous

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Uco Valley Malbec

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

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

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Uco Valley Malbec

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

A step up

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

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 riper and less green, and spicier.

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

Barossa Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.