If you like this, try…

Wines like Chianti Classico

Sangiovese from the historic hills between Florence and Siena: sour cherry, dried herbs and firm acidity, built for the table. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Chianti Classico

Refine

What do you like about Chianti Classico?

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 bright red fruit How fresh and crisp it is The firm, grippy structure The herbal, green side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too sharp or acidic too drying or too tannic too green or grassy too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

What these words mean

The bright red fruit: Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
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 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 herbal, green side: Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
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.

Looking for something keeping the bright red-fruited character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too drying or too tannic and too sharp or acidic.

You said you like the firm tannic structure and that it is too drying or too tannic. Both are about tannin, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the bright red-fruited character 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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

curated

A far cheaper Italian red for the same food.

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Egri Bikavér

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Morgon

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Australian Grenache

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Corvina

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Rioja

curated

Both are savoury, medium-bodied, cherry-fruited reds shaped by oak ageing classifications.

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Nero d’Avola

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

curated

A far cheaper Italian red for the same food.

Expect: Much softer and plummier, with far less structure.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

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.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Dornfelder

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Similar but less tannic

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

curated

A far cheaper Italian red for the same food.

Expect: Much softer and plummier, with far less structure.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.

Nero d’Avola

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Naoussa Xinomavro

curated

A high-acid, tomato-and-olive-scented red in very similar territory.

Expect: More austere and more tannic when young.

Brunello di Montalcino

curated

The same grape from a warmer, drier hill town, with far longer ageing.

Expect: Denser, more powerful and considerably more expensive.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Similar but softer

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

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

curated

A far cheaper Italian red for the same food.

Expect: Much softer and plummier, with far less structure.

Nero d’Avola

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

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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 fruitier, and broader and softer.

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Franciacorta

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 lighter.

Similar but sweeter

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.

Piedirosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Ciliegiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Nerello Cappuccio

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Frühburgunder

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja

curated

Both are savoury, medium-bodied, cherry-fruited reds shaped by oak ageing classifications.

Expect: Softer acidity and rounder tannin, with vanilla and leather in place of tomato leaf.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.

Rioja Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

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 lighter, and more floral.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

curated

A far cheaper Italian red for the same food.

Expect: Much softer and plummier, with far less structure.

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 lighter, and less oaky.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Cahors

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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 fresher and more acidic, and more tannic and structured.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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 tannic and structured.

Similar but fruitier

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

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Cahors

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

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 sit in the same style family.

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

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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 tannic and structured.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 tannic and structured.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

curated

A far cheaper Italian red for the same food.

Expect: Much softer and plummier, with far less structure.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Something more adventurous

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

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.

A step up

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Chianti Classico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

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.