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 earthy or musty and 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.
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 earthy or musty.
- Substantially less austere.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less austere.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less austere.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has noticeably less of the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less austere.
Valais Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as austere 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.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
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.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Grenache
curatedConstant blending partners across the western Mediterranean.
Expect: Softer tannin, riper red fruit and higher alcohol.
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 earthier.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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 fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stiller.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
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 Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Cornalin
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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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 fruit-driven.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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 more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 savoury.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro 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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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 earthier.
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 fruitier.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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 fruit-driven.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
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 fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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.