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.
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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 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.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Valais Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Valais Cornalin
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 fresher.
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 fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Valais Cornalin
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 fresher.
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 fuller and richer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
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.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Argentine Malbec
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 floral.
Barossa Shiraz
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.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
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.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Argentine Malbec
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 floral.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
California Rhône blend
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 herbal and green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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.
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 less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Argentine Malbec
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 floral.
Barossa Shiraz
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 fuller and richer.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
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 fuller and richer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 fuller and richer.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and stiller.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Amarone della Valpolicella
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 fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley 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 less oaky.
Barossa Shiraz
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 less oaky.
Super Tuscan
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 less oaky.
Bolgheri
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 less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
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 less spicy.
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 earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Mavrud across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less tannic and softer.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more aromatic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Bolgheri
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 herbal and green.
California Rhône blend
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 herbal and green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 fuller and richer.
Washington 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
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.
Super Tuscan
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 herbal and green.
Chilean 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 less spicy.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
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 sweeter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Valais Cornalin
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 fresher.
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 fuller and richer.
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.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Valais Cornalin
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 fresher.
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 fuller and richer.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
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 earthier, and fuller and richer.
Super Tuscan
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.
Napa Valley 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 more fruit-driven.
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.