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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too drying or too tannic.
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparably structured, savoury Mediterranean variety.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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 spicier.
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 spicier.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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 spicier.
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 spicier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
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 spicier.
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 spicier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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.
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 spicier.
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 spicier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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 spicier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 spicier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparably structured, savoury Mediterranean variety.
Expect: Gamier and denser.
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
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tawny Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
País
País scores closest to Carignan across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
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 spicier.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
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 fruit-driven.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
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 spicier.
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 spicier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Montsant
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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 spicier.
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 spicier.
Rioja
Both are made from carignan, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Priorat
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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.