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 savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too oaky or woody and too heavy.
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.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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 restrained in fruit, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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 restrained in fruit, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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 restrained in fruit, and drier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
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 restrained in fruit, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
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.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Saperavi
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 fresher.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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 less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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 less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
Saperavi
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 fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Rosso di Montalcino
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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 less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 restrained in fruit, and more floral.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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 restrained in fruit, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Montefalco Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Montefalco Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Montefalco Sagrantino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Pinotage
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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 oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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 oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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 restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 oaky.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.
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.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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 less tannic and softer.
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 oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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 restrained in fruit, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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 restrained in fruit, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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 spicier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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 oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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.