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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 moving away from too oaky or woody.

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

curated

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Chianti

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Cahors

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Negroamaro

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Etna Rosso

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Carignan

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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.

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 less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Cahors

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 floral.

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 softer and rounder.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Cahors

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 floral.

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 softer and rounder.

Etna Rosso

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 floral.

Nerello Mascalese

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 floral.

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.

Valpolicella

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.

Dolcetto

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 softer and rounder.

País

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

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.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Valpolicella

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Toro

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

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

Priorat

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

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 less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Montepulciano

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 softer and rounder.

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 softer and rounder.

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.

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 less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Etna Rosso

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 floral.

Nerello Mascalese

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 floral.

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.

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 less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Montepulciano

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.

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franciacorta

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

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.

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 less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Cahors

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 floral.

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 softer and rounder.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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 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.

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 less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Montepulciano

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 softer and rounder.

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 less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Morgon

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

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

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

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

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

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gavi

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

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

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 less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Gamay

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

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

Cahors

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 neutral and subtle.

Etna Rosso

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 neutral and subtle.

Similar but more savoury

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

Cahors

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.

Etna Rosso

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.

Nerello Mascalese

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.

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 spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but fruitier

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Toro

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 spicy, 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.

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 more oaky, 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.

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 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 more oaky, 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 spicy, and lighter.

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

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 less tannic and softer.

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 less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

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.

Cahors

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 floral.

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 softer and rounder.

Etna Rosso

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 floral.

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.

Cahors

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 floral.

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 softer and rounder.

Etna Rosso

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 floral.

A step up

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

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 less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Barolo

curated

Italy’s other benchmark long-aged red.

Expect: Paler, more perfumed and even more tannic.

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 spicy, and less tannic and softer.

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.