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.
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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 savoury or funky 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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
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 fruitier, and more floral.
Tinta Barroca
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
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 fruitier, and more floral.
Tinta Barroca
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
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 more sparkling.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier, and more floral.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Barroca
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier, and more floral.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
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 more floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 more herbal and green.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stiller.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 fruitier, and more floral.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Gamay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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 fruitier, and more floral.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparably structured, savoury Mediterranean variety.
Expect: Gamier and denser.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Tinta Barroca
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 more floral.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
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 more fruit-driven.
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.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
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.
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.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
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 more fruit-driven.
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 lighter.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 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 fruitier, and more floral.
Tinta Barroca
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
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 fruitier, and more floral.
Tinta Barroca
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
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 drier, and more savoury.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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.