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, too plain or too simple, too earthy or musty 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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less heavy.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- More plain or too simple, not less.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less heavy.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- More heavy, not less.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little 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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Gamay
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 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 less oaky.
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.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Bolgheri
Bolgheri 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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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 fuller and richer, and drier.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Merlot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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 fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Malbec
Malbec 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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Gamay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
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 fuller and richer, and drier.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Languedoc red
Both are made from carignan, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from carignan, and both come from the same country.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 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.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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.