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 soft or too easy.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
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.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Medium-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tempranillo
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Medium-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Medium-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Medium-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Ribera del Duero
Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic 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.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Toro
Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sangiovese
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
Both are made from blaufränkisch, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Sangiovese
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Toro
Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Ribera del Duero
Both are made from tempranillo.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.