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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too austere and 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less heavy.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparably structured, savoury Mediterranean variety.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less heavy.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- A little less heavy.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- A little less heavy.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- A little less heavy.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparably structured, savoury Mediterranean variety.
Expect: Gamier and denser.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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 fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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 fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
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.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
Loire Cabernet Franc
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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Red Burgundy
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparably structured, savoury Mediterranean variety.
Expect: Gamier and denser.
Languedoc red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
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.
Cabernet Franc
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.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
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.
Cabernet Franc
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.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer, and drier.
Languedoc red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Pinot Noir
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.
Red Burgundy
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.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Franc
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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 fuller and richer, and drier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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.