If you like this, try…
Wines like Carignan
A high-yielding Mediterranean variety, dismissed for decades and now prized where old bush vines survive. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Carignan?
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 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
- 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 austere.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
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.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more fruit-driven.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more fruit-driven.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and broader and softer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Tannat
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Furmint
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.
Vouvray
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 more sparkling.
Petit Manseng
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 fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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 spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
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.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Languedoc red
Both are made from carignan, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from carignan, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
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.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
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.