If you like this, try…
Wines like Lagrein
An Alpine Italian variety producing dark, firm, savoury reds in Alto Adige. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Lagrein?
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.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- 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 austere and too savoury or funky.
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 Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less savoury or funky.
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 Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Dornfelder
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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
Rondo scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more floral, and spicier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Zinfandel
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 more floral, and spicier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Barbera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Zinfandel
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 spicier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Asti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Sparkling Shiraz
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 more restrained in fruit.
Touriga Franca
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
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 more floral, and spicier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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 Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Lagrein across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.