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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 moving away from too oaky or woody and 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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Madiran

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Chianti Classico

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
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.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Cahors

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Red Bordeaux

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

A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Priorat

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

A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially 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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 less spicy, and earthier.

Madiran

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

Different grape, similar feel

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

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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

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 savoury, and less spicy.

Lagrein

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

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

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 less spicy, and earthier.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

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)

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Pinot Noir

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

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

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.

Priorat

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 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 spicier, and riper and less green.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Madiran

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but less tannic

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

Merlot

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

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

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Madiran

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

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

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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

Priorat

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 earthier.

Tannat

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Bairrada Baga

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 less spicy.

Barbaresco

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 less spicy.

Chianti

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 more restrained in fruit.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, 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 earthier.

Merlot

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

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

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.

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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Franciacorta

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

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

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

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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

Saperavi

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

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Cahors

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

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

Chianti

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 more restrained in fruit.

Madiran

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 less spicy, and earthier.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Priorat

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 earthier.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 less spicy, 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 savoury, and less spicy.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, 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 earthier.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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 less spicy.

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 savoury.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 less spicy, and more aromatic.

Madiran

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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 less spicy.

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 savoury.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Barbaresco

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 less spicy.

Cahors

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

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

Chianti

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 more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Coonawarra 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 more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Margaret River 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 more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

Chilean 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 more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 less spicy, and earthier.

Madiran

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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 more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Chianti

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 more restrained in fruit.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Madiran

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

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

Priorat

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 earthier.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, 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 lighter.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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 more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

Priorat

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 earthier.

Chianti

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 more restrained in fruit.

Something more adventurous

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 less spicy, and earthier.

Madiran

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

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

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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

Cahors

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

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

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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 less spicy, and earthier.

Madiran

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

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

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 less spicy, and riper and less green.

Cahors

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

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

A step up

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

Priorat

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 earthier.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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 more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

Chianti

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 more restrained in fruit.

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.