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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 drying or too tannic, too earthy or musty and too peppery.

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.

Chianti Classico

curated

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Rosso di Montalcino

curated

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Chianti

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Sangiovese

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Refosco

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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 less tannic and softer, 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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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 fresher.

Refosco

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Saperavi

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 sweeter.

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.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less tannic and softer, 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.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.

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 softer and rounder, and spicier.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from sangiovese, 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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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 softer

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 less spicy.

Uco Valley Malbec

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 less spicy.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

English sparkling rosé

English sparkling rosé 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.

Similar but sweeter

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

Saperavi

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 more fruit-driven.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Refosco

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Piedirosso

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.

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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and spicier.

Rioja

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Similar but more restrained

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

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

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

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 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.

Similar but more floral

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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 fresher.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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 earthier, and less spicy.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

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

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Barbera d’Alba

Both come from the same country.

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.

Chianti

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 less spicy.

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

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

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

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 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

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.

Chianti Classico

curated

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

Expect: Lighter and more herbal, with less concentration.

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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

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 spicier, and more herbal and green.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 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.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from sangiovese, 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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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 fresher.

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.

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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from sangiovese, 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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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 fresher.

A step up

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

Chianti Classico

curated

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 spicy, and fresher.

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.

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 spicier, 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 softer and rounder, 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.