If you like this, try…
Wines like Mavrud
Bulgaria’s most structured indigenous red, from the Thracian Lowlands. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Mavrud?
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.
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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping the peppery, spicy character and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere and too peppery.
- You said you like the peppery, spicy character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as peppery 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
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.