If you like this, try…
Wines like Medium-bodied dry red
The middle of the red-wine spectrum: enough structure for food, not so much that it dominates. The most versatile red category. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Medium-bodied dry red?
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 rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- 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 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 moving away from too earthy or musty, too oaky or woody and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Dão
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both are made from montepulciano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Montepulciano
Both are made from montepulciano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Dão
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
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.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more fruit-driven.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
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.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Toro
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot scores closest to Medium-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dão
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both are made from montepulciano, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
Both are made from montepulciano, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Medium-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Medium-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Medium-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
English sparkling wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Dão
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Tempranillo
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more fruit-driven.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more fruit-driven.
Dão
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Dão
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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 earthier, and more floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barbera d’Alba
Both are made from barbera.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Toro
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Dão
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both are made from montepulciano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera
Both are made from barbera, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Toro
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both are made from montepulciano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more fruit-driven.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dão
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dão
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Medium-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.