If you like this, try…

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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Refine

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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from 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.

Red Bordeaux

curated

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less heavy.

Chilean 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.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less heavy.

Coonawarra 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.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less heavy.

Margaret River 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.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less heavy.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less heavy.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less heavy.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less heavy.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little 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.

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.

Chilean 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Coonawarra 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Margaret River 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Fetească Neagră

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Fer Servadou

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

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

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.

Dolcetto

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colorino

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

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.

Fer Servadou

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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 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.

Chilean 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Coonawarra 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Margaret River 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Southern Rhône blend

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

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 tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but fresher

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Similar but softer

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

Languedoc red

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

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

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 tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Lambrusco

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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.

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.

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Bobal

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

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Colorino

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Rioja

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

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

Rioja Reserva

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

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

Tempranillo

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more restrained

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

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.

Chilean 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 stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.

Coonawarra 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 stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.

Margaret River 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 stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Syrah

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.

Washington Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Similar but more savoury

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

Cahors

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

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

Chianti Classico

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

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 tannic and softer, 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.

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.

Washington 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.

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.

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.

Chilean 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Coonawarra 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Margaret River 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

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 tannic and softer, 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.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and riper and less green.

Languedoc red

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

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

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.

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.

Chilean 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Sangiovese

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.

Something more adventurous

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

Coonawarra 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Margaret River 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

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.

Coonawarra 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Margaret River 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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.

A step up

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

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.

Sangiovese

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.

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.