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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.

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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 firm tannic structure and the herbal, green edge, while moving away from too drying or too tannic, too green or grassy and too tart or sour-fruited.

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 herbal, green edge and that it is too green or grassy. Both are about herbal / green character, 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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Sangiovese

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Red Bordeaux

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Chianti

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less green or grassy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Australian Grenache

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less green or grassy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Super Tuscan

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less green or grassy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Merlot

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

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 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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Sangiovese

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

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 lighter.

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 lighter, and fresher.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.

Rondo

Rondo scores closest to Chianti Classico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Canaiolo

Both are made from canaiolo, and both come from the same country.

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

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 lighter, and fresher.

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.

Red Burgundy

Red Burgundy scores closest to Chianti Classico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Chianti Classico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Cru Beaujolais

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both come from the same country.

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

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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

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 more tannic and structured.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 lighter.

Merlot

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

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

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 lighter.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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.

Naoussa Xinomavro

curated

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

Expect: More austere and more tannic when young.

Aglianico

Both come from the same country.

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

Taurasi

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but softer

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

curated

A far cheaper Italian red for the same food.

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

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Merlot

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

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

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 Chianti Classico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

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

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 more tannic and structured, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Corvina

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

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

Late Bottled Vintage Port

Late Bottled Vintage Port scores closest to Chianti Classico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Trincadeira

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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 lighter, and fresher.

Canaiolo

Both are made from canaiolo, and both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

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.

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 more tannic and structured.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Morgon

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

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

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.

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Sangiovese

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

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 lighter, and fresher.

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 lighter, and more herbal and green.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.

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

Taurasi

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both come from the same country.

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

Merlot

Both are made from merlot.

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

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 lighter.

Merlot

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 lighter, and fresher.

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Sangiovese

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

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 riper and less green, 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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Bolgheri

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both come from the same country.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

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

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.

Sangiovese

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

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 lighter.

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 lighter, and fresher.

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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Something more adventurous

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

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

A step up

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

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero scores closest to Chianti Classico across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both come from the same country.

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

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

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

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.