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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 fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too sharp or acidic and too oaky or woody.

You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.

Negroamaro

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montsant

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Bonarda

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Cahors

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Corvinone

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Colorino

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Negroamaro

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 less tannic and softer.

Montsant

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Negroamaro

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 less tannic and softer.

Montsant

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Cahors

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

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

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.

Colorino

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

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

Rondinella

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.

País

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

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.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Schiava

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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 oaky, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Bonarda

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

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

Negroamaro

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 more fruit-driven.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

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.

Chianti Classico

curated

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

Expect: Lighter and more herbal, with less concentration.

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.

Chianti

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

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

Etna Rosso

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but softer

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

Negroamaro

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 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 more oaky, and spicier.

Montsant

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Franciacorta

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Ruby Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

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

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more 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.

Negroamaro

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 less tannic and softer.

Corvinone

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.

Colorino

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.

Montsant

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Super Tuscan

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Ribera del Duero

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Bolgheri

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Morgon

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

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

curated

Italy’s other benchmark long-aged red.

Expect: Paler, more perfumed and even more tannic.

Similar but more restrained

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Negroamaro

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 more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dão

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

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

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.

Cahors

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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 fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

Taurasi

curated

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

Expect: More volcanic and ashy, and much cheaper.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Chianti

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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

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.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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 fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Super Tuscan

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

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

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.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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 fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Negroamaro

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 less tannic and softer.

Montsant

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Cahors

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

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

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.

Negroamaro

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 less tannic and softer.

Montsant

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Cahors

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

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

A step up

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

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 oaky, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

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.