If you like this, try…
Wines like Rosso di Montalcino
Brunello’s younger sibling: the same grape and hill town with a far shorter ageing requirement, and often outstanding value. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Rosso di Montalcino?
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.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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.
Looking for something keeping the firm tannic structure and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too sharp or acidic.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Lagrein
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 earthier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Super Tuscan
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 broader and softer, and more oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Lagrein
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 earthier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Dolcetto
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 broader and softer.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Super Tuscan
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 broader and softer, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
New Zealand 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 less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
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 tannic and structured, and fresher and more acidic.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and spicier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more 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.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
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.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Super Tuscan
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 broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 fresher and more acidic, and earthier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
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 fresher and more acidic, and earthier.
Chianti
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 fresher and more acidic, and less tannic and softer.
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 fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Super Tuscan
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 broader and softer, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 fresher and more acidic, and earthier.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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 fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Super Tuscan
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 broader and softer, and more oaky.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Lagrein
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 earthier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Lagrein
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 earthier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader 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.