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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too earthy or musty, too light or thin and too green or grassy.
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 riper and less green.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 riper and less green.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Molinara
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Frappato
Both come from the same country.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Barbera
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
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 riper and less green.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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 riper and less green.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
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 riper and less green.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
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.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
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.
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 riper and less green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
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 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.
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 riper and less green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Chianti Classico
curatedThe historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.
Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.
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.