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Wines like Super Tuscan

A commercial category rather than an appellation: ambitious Tuscan reds that fell outside the DOC rules, usually built on Bordeaux varieties. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Super Tuscan?

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.

I like…

How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure The vanilla and oak

But it’s a bit…

too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too green or grassy too peppery too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

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 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.
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 herbal, green side: Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something keeping the vanilla, toast and oak character, while moving away from too heavy, too drying or too tannic and too peppery.

You said you like the vanilla, toast and oak character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, 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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Red Bordeaux

curated

The same varieties, in the style Super Tuscans were originally modelled on.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Bolgheri

curated

Bolgheri is where much of the category is now formally appellation-controlled.

Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
About as heavy as the wine you started from.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
A little less heavy.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Red Bordeaux

curated

The same varieties, in the style Super Tuscans were originally modelled on.

Expect: Less ripe and more earthy, with a firmer, drier finish.

Bolgheri

curated

Bolgheri is where much of the category is now formally appellation-controlled.

Expect: Essentially the same wine with a legal name.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Barbera

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.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Barbaresco

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Bairrada Baga

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Brunello di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Baga

Baga scores closest to Super Tuscan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Barbera

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.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.

Lambrusco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

English sparkling rosé

English sparkling rosé scores closest to Super Tuscan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Sparkling Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less 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.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.

Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Bolgheri

curated

Bolgheri is where much of the category is now formally appellation-controlled.

Expect: Essentially the same wine with a legal name.

Pinotage

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.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Super Tuscan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Super Tuscan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Red Bordeaux

curated

The same varieties, in the style Super Tuscans were originally modelled on.

Expect: Less ripe and more earthy, with a firmer, drier finish.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

California Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.

Bolgheri

curated

Bolgheri is where much of the category is now formally appellation-controlled.

Expect: Essentially the same wine with a legal name.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Bolgheri

curated

Bolgheri is where much of the category is now formally appellation-controlled.

Expect: Essentially the same wine with a legal name.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Barbera

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.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

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.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.

How these are chosen

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.