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 plain or too simple.
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.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
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 spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
Pinotage
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Rosso di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Ribera del Duero
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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 less oaky, and earthier.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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 less oaky, and sweeter.
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.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
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.
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 spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
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 more aromatic, and broader and softer.
Rioja
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 broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
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 broader and softer.
Bolgheri
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 broader and softer.
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 less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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.
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 less oaky, and earthier.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 less oaky, 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 less oaky, and earthier.
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 less oaky, 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 spicier.
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 less oaky, and earthier.
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 less oaky, and earthier.
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 less oaky, 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 spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
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 less oaky, 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.
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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
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 less oaky, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Rosso di Montalcino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
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.