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Wines like Brunello di Montalcino

Pure Sangiovese from a warm Tuscan hill town, aged for years before release — Italy’s most powerful expression of the grape. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Brunello di Montalcino?

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 firm, grippy structure How fresh and crisp it is The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too sharp or acidic too oaky or woody too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

What these words mean

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.
How fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
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 earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from too earthy or musty.

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.

Bairrada Baga

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Madiran

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Baga

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Tannat

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Sagrantino

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Chianti Classico

curated

The same grape from cooler Tuscan hills, at a fraction of the price.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Taurasi

curated

Southern Italy’s Aglianico occupies similar tannic, savoury, ageworthy territory.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as earthy or musty 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.

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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 sweeter.

Madiran

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 softer and rounder.

Baga

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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 sweeter.

Madiran

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 softer and rounder.

Baga

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

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

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.

Dolcetto

Both come from the same country.

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

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Brunello di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Colorino

Both come from the same country.

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

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.

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Brunello di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Cru Beaujolais

Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Brunello di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.

Fer Servadou

Fer Servadou scores closest to Brunello di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Brunello di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Toro

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

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

Priorat

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 softer and rounder.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but fresher

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

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.

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Chianti Classico

curated

The same grape from cooler Tuscan hills, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Lighter and more herbal, with less concentration.

Baga

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

curated

The same grape, same area and often the same producer, with far shorter ageing.

Expect: Fresher and simpler, and ready to drink now.

Similar but softer

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

Toro

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

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

Priorat

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 fuller and richer.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 Brunello di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

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 stiller, and less spicy.

Similar but sweeter

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

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 fuller and richer.

Sagrantino

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

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 tannic and softer, and more oaky.

Refosco

Both come from the same country.

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

Nero di Troia

Both come from the same country.

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

Cornalin

Cornalin scores closest to Brunello di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Pinotage

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barolo

curated

Italy’s other benchmark long-aged red.

Expect: Paler, more perfumed and even more tannic.

Barbaresco

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 aromatic.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Syrah

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

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 aromatic, 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 more aromatic, and less spicy.

Madiran

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.

Baga

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Barolo

curated

Italy’s other benchmark long-aged red.

Expect: Paler, more perfumed and even more tannic.

Barbaresco

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.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Barolo

curated

Italy’s other benchmark long-aged red.

Expect: Paler, more perfumed and even more tannic.

Taurasi

curated

Southern Italy’s Aglianico occupies similar tannic, savoury, ageworthy territory.

Expect: More volcanic and ashy, and much cheaper.

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 fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Baga

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Toro

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

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Chianti Classico

curated

The same grape from cooler Tuscan hills, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Lighter and more herbal, with less concentration.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Rosso di Montalcino

curated

The same grape, same area and often the same producer, with far shorter ageing.

Expect: Fresher and simpler, and ready to drink now.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Rosso di Montalcino

curated

The same grape, same area and often the same producer, with far shorter ageing.

Expect: Fresher and simpler, and ready to drink now.

Sangiovese

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

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

Chianti Classico

curated

The same grape from cooler Tuscan hills, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Lighter and more herbal, with less concentration.

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.

Sangiovese

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

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

Chianti Classico

curated

The same grape from cooler Tuscan hills, at a fraction of the price.

Expect: Lighter and more herbal, with less concentration.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and 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 less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.

Something more adventurous

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

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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 sweeter.

Madiran

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 softer and rounder.

Baga

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

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

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.

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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 sweeter.

Madiran

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 softer and rounder.

Baga

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

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

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 less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.

Barolo

curated

Italy’s other benchmark long-aged red.

Expect: Paler, more perfumed and even more tannic.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Priorat

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 softer and rounder.

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.