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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 savoury, non-fruity character, the firm tannic structure and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too drying or too tannic.

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.

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

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Red Burgundy

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Sangiovese

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
About as drying or too tannic 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.

Chianti

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 lighter, and less oaky.

Red Burgundy

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

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

Sonoma Coast 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 lighter, and fruitier.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Sonoma Coast 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 lighter, and fruitier.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Etna Rosso

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 lighter.

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.

Red Burgundy

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

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

Chianti

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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Pinot Noir

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

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

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 lighter, 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.

Red Burgundy

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

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

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 more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Similar but less tannic

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

Chianti

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 lighter, and less oaky.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

curated

A far cheaper Italian red for the same food.

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

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 broader and softer.

Red Burgundy

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

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

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.

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 broader and softer.

Chilean Carmenère

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.

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Corvina

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 more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Tawny Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Chianti

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 lighter, and more oaky.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

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 lighter.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.

Rioja Reserva

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

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

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Morgon

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

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

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 lighter, and more aromatic.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Sangiovese

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

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

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Sonoma Coast 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 lighter, and fruitier.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

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 savoury, 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 more savoury, and broader and softer.

Naoussa Xinomavro

curated

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

Expect: More austere and more tannic when young.

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 more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but fruitier

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

Barbera d’Asti

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 less tannic and softer.

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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

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 more fruit-driven.

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 broader and softer.

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 broader and softer.

Egri Bikavér

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

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

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 more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Chianti

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Sangiovese

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

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

Bolgheri

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

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

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

Change the mood

Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.

A safe next step

Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.

Chianti

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Sangiovese

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Sonoma Coast 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 lighter, and fruitier.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Etna Rosso

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 lighter.

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.

Sonoma Coast 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 lighter, and fruitier.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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 more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Etna Rosso

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 lighter.

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 broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both come from the same country.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

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

How these are chosen

Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.