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.
Refine
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 moving away from too green or grassy, too savoury or funky, too tart or sour-fruited and too sharp or acidic.
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.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- 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.
- About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- 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.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
Colorino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Dolcetto
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Glera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader 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.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 fruitier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Taurasi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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 lighter.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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 lighter.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
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 fruitier, and broader and softer.
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 lighter.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fruitier.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Rosso di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fruitier.
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.