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 moving away from too heavy, too drying or too tannic and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Montefalco Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Montefalco Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic 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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more oaky.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more oaky.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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 more herbal and green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir scores closest to Montefalco Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Rhône blend
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
New Zealand Pinot Noir scores closest to Montefalco Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic 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.
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
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.