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.
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.
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 moving away from too peppery and too green or grassy.
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.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, 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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Super Tuscan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Schiava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Napa Valley 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 spicier, and softer and rounder.
Priorat
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Napa Valley 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 spicier, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Napa Valley 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 spicier, and less oaky.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Super Tuscan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc scores closest to Super Tuscan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Super Tuscan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Rosso di Montalcino
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Napa Valley 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 spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
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.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Priorat
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Napa Valley 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 spicier, and softer and rounder.
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.