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 fresh, crisp acidity and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too light or thin and too earthy or musty.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, 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
curatedThe historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- 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.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little 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.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- A little 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.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
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.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- 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
curatedThe 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Frappato
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais 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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier 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.
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.
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 broader and softer, 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 broader and softer, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Alba
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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.
Chianti Classico
curatedThe historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.
Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
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 broader and softer, 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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Coonawarra 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 lighter.
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 broader and softer, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
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, and lighter in alcohol.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 broader and softer, and fruitier.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
Late Bottled Vintage Port scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Vintage Port
Vintage Port scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Cornalin
Cornalin scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Chianti Classico
curatedThe historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.
Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
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.
Chianti Classico
curatedThe historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.
Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Chianti across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Grenache
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 softer and rounder, and lighter.
Margaret River 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 lighter.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
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.
Chianti Classico
curatedThe historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.
Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.
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.
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.
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.
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 broader and softer, 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.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Chianti Classico
curatedThe historic heartland zone, with stricter rules and higher altitude.
Expect: More structure, more concentration and a higher price.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chianti Classico
curatedThe 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 lighter.
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.
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.