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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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too savoury or funky and too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
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.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Sangiovese
Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Morgon
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.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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.
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 more savoury, and lighter.
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 fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
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 fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
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 fruitier.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Dolcetto
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Trousseau
Trousseau scores closest to Rosso di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Colorino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Rosso di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Rosso di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
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 fruitier.
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 lighter.
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 fruitier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
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 fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
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 fruitier.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Rosso di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Super Tuscan
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 stiller, and broader and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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 fruitier.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 savoury, 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.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
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.
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.
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 more savoury, and lighter.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
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 fruitier.
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 lighter, and earthier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
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 both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Taurasi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
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.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 lighter, and more savoury.
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 lighter, and more savoury.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico
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 lighter, 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 lighter, and more savoury.
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 lighter, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 savoury, and fruitier.
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.
Sangiovese
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 more savoury, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 more savoury, and lighter.
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 fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
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 fruitier.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
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 more savoury, and lighter.
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 fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
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 fruitier.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 broader and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
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 fruitier, and more savoury.
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.