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, while moving away from too austere, too savoury or funky and too plain or too simple.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
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
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Syrah
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 more savoury.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from carignan, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.