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.

← Back to Carignan

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.

I like…

The firm, grippy structure The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too heavy too plain or too simple too earthy or musty too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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 firm tannic structure and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere and too savoury or funky.

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.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Touriga Nacional

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more 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.

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.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Dornfelder

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 fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Mondeuse Noire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.

Zinfandel

Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.

Petit Verdot

Both come from the same country.

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.

Mondeuse Noire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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 less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Grenache

curated

Constant blending partners across the western Mediterranean.

Expect: Softer tannin, riper red fruit and higher alcohol.

Zinfandel

Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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 tannic and softer.

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.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.

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 more restrained in fruit.

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 Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

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 spicier.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

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 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 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 more tannic and structured.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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 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 more savoury, and drier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 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.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

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.

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.

Montsant

Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

Zinfandel

Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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 more savoury.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Montsant

Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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 more savoury.

Rioja

Both are made from carignan.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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 tannic and softer.

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 more savoury.

Southern Rhône blend

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 less tannic and softer.

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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 tannic and softer.

Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more 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.

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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more 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 more savoury.

How these are chosen

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.