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 savoury or funky, too plain or too simple 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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less heavy.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less heavy.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less heavy.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less heavy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less heavy.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially 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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
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 savoury.
Cru Beaujolais
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 floral.
Red Burgundy
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 savoury.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
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 floral.
Red Burgundy
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 savoury.
Loire Cabernet Franc
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 herbal and green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Bolgheri
Bolgheri scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Red Burgundy
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 savoury.
Loire Cabernet Franc
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 herbal and green.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco 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.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Corvina
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.
Trousseau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
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 savoury.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
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 savoury.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
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 more savoury, and less oaky.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Pinot Noir
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 savoury.
Cru Beaujolais
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 floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.