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Wines like Chianti

The broad Tuscan Sangiovese appellation surrounding Chianti Classico — lighter, cheaper and much more variable. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Chianti?

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 savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too sharp or acidic too light or thin 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.
How light it is: A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
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 fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too light or thin and too earthy or musty.

You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. 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.

Chianti Classico

curated

The historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
About as earthy or musty 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.

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

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.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less light or thin.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Sangiovese

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less light or thin.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Refosco

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Bolgheri

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less light or thin.
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.

Chianti Classico

curated

The historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.

Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.

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 softer and rounder.

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 lighter, and earthier.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 fruitier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Barbera d’Alba

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both come from the same country.

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

Uruguayan Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Molinara

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Tibouren

Tibouren scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Valpolicella

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Grolleau

Grolleau scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Molinara

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

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 softer and rounder.

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 softer and rounder.

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 softer and rounder.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Barbera d’Alba

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Barbera

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Tinta Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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 softer and rounder.

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 lighter, and earthier.

Chianti Classico

curated

The historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.

Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 fruitier.

Similar but softer

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

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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Bolgheri

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both come from the same country.

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

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 across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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 stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Port

Port scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

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

Vintage Port

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

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader 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.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Cornalin

Cornalin scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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 softer and rounder.

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 softer and rounder.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

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 softer and rounder.

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 lighter, and earthier.

Chianti Classico

curated

The historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.

Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 fruitier.

Similar but more floral

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 earthier, and lighter.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Brunello di Montalcino

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 earthier, and fruitier.

Similar but fruitier

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

Super Tuscan

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

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

Bolgheri

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

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.

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 softer and rounder.

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 softer and rounder.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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 lighter, and earthier.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 fruitier.

Chianti Classico

curated

The historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.

Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.

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 lighter, and earthier.

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 softer and rounder.

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 softer and rounder.

Bolgheri

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

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

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 softer and rounder.

Chianti Classico

curated

The historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.

Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.

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 lighter, and earthier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both come from the same country.

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

Something more adventurous

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

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 lighter, and earthier.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 fruitier.

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 softer and rounder.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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.

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 lighter, and earthier.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 fruitier.

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 softer and rounder.

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

A step up

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

Chianti Classico

curated

The historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.

Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.

Brunello di Montalcino

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 earthier, and fruitier.

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 lighter, and earthier.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

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.