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Wines like Madiran

Tannat from south-west France: among the most tannic red wines made anywhere, and the birthplace of micro-oxygenation. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Madiran?

Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.

I like…

The firm, grippy structure How full and weighty it is The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too heavy too oaky or woody too earthy or musty too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
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.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too drying or too tannic and too austere.

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.

Cahors

curated

Its neighbour, sharing the dark, structured south-west French idiom.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Saperavi

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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Montefalco Sagrantino

curated

The other contender for the world’s most tannic dry red.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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 drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less austere.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Cahors

curated

Its neighbour, sharing the dark, structured south-west French idiom.

Expect: Less tannic and more floral.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Montefalco Sagrantino

curated

The other contender for the world’s most tannic dry red.

Expect: Higher acidity and a more Italian savoury profile.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Cahors

curated

Its neighbour, sharing the dark, structured south-west French idiom.

Expect: Less tannic and more floral.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Chianti

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

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 more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Madiran across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

Franciacorta

Franciacorta scores closest to Madiran across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Tinta Negra

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.

Cahors

curated

Its neighbour, sharing the dark, structured south-west French idiom.

Expect: Less tannic and more floral.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Madiran across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but fruitier

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Primitivo

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

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.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Chianti

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Something more adventurous

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

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Montefalco Sagrantino

curated

The other contender for the world’s most tannic dry red.

Expect: Higher acidity and a more Italian savoury profile.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

A step up

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

How these are chosen

Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.