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.
Refine
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 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.
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.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
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.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- 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.
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 riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
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 riper and less green, and more floral.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Nerello Mascalese
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 more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 riper and less green, and more floral.
Nerello Mascalese
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 more floral.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bekaa Valley Red
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 fruitier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Negroamaro
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 fruitier.
Priorat
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 fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
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 more tannic and structured.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
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 more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Bekaa Valley Red
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 fruitier.
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 riper and less green, and fruitier.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Chianti 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 more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Cava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
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 riper and less green, and fruitier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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 riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
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 more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
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 more aromatic.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
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 more tannic and structured.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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 riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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 riper and less green.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 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.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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 fruitier.
Bekaa Valley Red
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 fruitier.
Priorat
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 fruitier.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
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 riper and less green.
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 more savoury, and riper and less green.
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 herbal and green, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Bekaa Valley Red
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 fruitier.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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 fruitier.
Priorat
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 fruitier.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
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 more tannic and structured.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
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 riper and less green, and more floral.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Nerello Mascalese
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 more floral.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
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 riper and less green, and more floral.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Nerello Mascalese
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 more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 riper and less green.
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 more savoury, and riper and less green.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
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.