If you like this, try…
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.
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 moving away from too earthy or musty and too sharp or acidic.
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.
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.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- 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.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- 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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and broader and softer.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Taurasi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
Both are made from canaiolo, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
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 earthier, and fruitier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and broader and softer.
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.