If you like this, try…
Wines like Montefalco Sagrantino
Umbria’s ferociously tannic red — among the highest measured tannin concentrations of any wine grape. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Montefalco Sagrantino?
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 rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- 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.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- 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.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
Looking for something keeping the firm tannic structure, the full body and weight and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting and too savoury or funky.
- 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.
Madiran
curatedThe two leading contenders for the most tannic dry red in commercial production.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Madiran
curatedThe two leading contenders for the most tannic dry red in commercial production.
Expect: Lower acidity and a more south-west French savoury profile.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Madiran
curatedThe two leading contenders for the most tannic dry red in commercial production.
Expect: Lower acidity and a more south-west French savoury profile.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
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.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Madiran
curatedThe two leading contenders for the most tannic dry red in commercial production.
Expect: Lower acidity and a more south-west French savoury profile.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Super Tuscan
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 more restrained in fruit.
Bolgheri
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 lighter in alcohol.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
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 lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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.
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 Montefalco Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Lambrusco
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 less tannic and softer.
Toro
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Madiran
curatedThe two leading contenders for the most tannic dry red in commercial production.
Expect: Lower acidity and a more south-west French savoury profile.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 more savoury.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 less oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
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 less oaky.
Bolgheri
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 lighter in alcohol.
Barossa Shiraz
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 less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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.
Toro
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Madiran
curatedThe two leading contenders for the most tannic dry red in commercial production.
Expect: Lower acidity and a more south-west French savoury profile.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Barossa Shiraz
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Super Tuscan
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 more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Madiran
curatedThe two leading contenders for the most tannic dry red in commercial production.
Expect: Lower acidity and a more south-west French savoury profile.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Madiran
curatedThe two leading contenders for the most tannic dry red in commercial production.
Expect: Lower acidity and a more south-west French savoury profile.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Amarone della Valpolicella
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 more savoury.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic 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.