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 keeping the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too savoury or funky, too green or grassy and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
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 firm tannic structure.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
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.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- 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.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
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.
Dolcetto
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
Canaiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
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.
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.
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.
Sonoma 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.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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 lighter.
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 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 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 lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Rosso di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Aglianico
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 more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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
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.
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 stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
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 riper and less green.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Shiraz
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 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 more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
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 more savoury.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
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.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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 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 more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
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 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.
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 more savoury, and lighter.
Taurasi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Shiraz
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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 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 lighter.
Chianti
Both are made from sangiovese, and 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.