If you like this, try…
Wines like Grenache
A pale, high-alcohol, sweetly fruited Mediterranean variety that anchors Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Grenache?
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
- 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.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- 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 full body and weight, while moving away from too green or grassy, too austere and too soft or too easy.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Primitivo
curatedBoth are high-alcohol, ripe, sweetly fruited southern reds with soft tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
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.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
curatedBoth are high-alcohol, ripe, sweetly fruited southern reds with soft tannin.
Expect: Darker fruit and a jammier profile.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Vin Doux Naturel
Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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 Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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.