If you like this, try…
Wines like Taurasi
Aglianico grown at altitude in Campania — extremely tannic, savoury and long-lived, often called the Barolo of the south. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Taurasi?
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 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 fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Looking for something keeping the firm tannic structure, the fresh, crisp acidity and the earthy, savoury-mineral character, while moving away from too sharp or acidic.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Brunello di Montalcino
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
Barolo
curatedThe most frequently drawn comparison, and structurally accurate.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Brunello di Montalcino
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: More overtly fruity and less ashy.
Barolo
curatedThe most frequently drawn comparison, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and far more expensive.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Taurasi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Taurasi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: More overtly fruity and less ashy.
Barolo
curatedThe most frequently drawn comparison, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and far more expensive.
Aglianico
Both are made from aglianico, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Taurasi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barolo
curatedThe most frequently drawn comparison, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and far more expensive.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
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 acidic, and fresher.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barolo
curatedThe most frequently drawn comparison, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and far more expensive.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
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 acidic, and fresher.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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.
Barolo
curatedThe most frequently drawn comparison, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and far more expensive.
Brunello di Montalcino
curatedThe structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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.
Aglianico
Both are made from aglianico, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Piedirosso
Both are made from piedirosso, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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.
Aglianico
Both are made from aglianico, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Piedirosso
Both are made from piedirosso, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Brunello di Montalcino
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: More overtly fruity and less ashy.
Barolo
curatedThe most frequently drawn comparison, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and far more expensive.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
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
curatedA comparably tannic, ageworthy Italian red.
Expect: More overtly fruity and less ashy.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
curatedThe most frequently drawn comparison, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Paler, more perfumed and far more expensive.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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.