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.
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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 moving away from too peppery.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Cinsault
curatedA frequent blending partner with the same red-fruited, low-tannin character in a lighter frame.
- Substantially less peppery.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Cinsault
curatedA frequent blending partner with the same red-fruited, low-tannin character in a lighter frame.
Expect: Noticeably lighter and lower in alcohol.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
Cinsault
curatedA frequent blending partner with the same red-fruited, low-tannin character in a lighter frame.
Expect: Noticeably lighter and lower in alcohol.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more 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.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Cinsault
curatedA frequent blending partner with the same red-fruited, low-tannin character in a lighter frame.
Expect: Noticeably lighter and lower in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Merlot
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 leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
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 grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Australian Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Australian Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cinsault
curatedA frequent blending partner with the same red-fruited, low-tannin character in a lighter frame.
Expect: Noticeably lighter and lower in alcohol.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
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.