If you like this, try…

Wines like Mourvèdre

A late-ripening, sun-demanding variety giving dark, gamey, firmly structured wine — the M in a GSM blend. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Mourvèdre

Refine

What do you like about Mourvèdre?

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.

I like…

The firm, grippy structure The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 and the earthy, savoury-mineral character, while moving away from too savoury or funky and too austere.

You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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 savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.

Syrah

curated

Its constant blending partner, with shared dark fruit and savoury character.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has noticeably less of the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

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 more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Syrah

curated

Its constant blending partner, with shared dark fruit and savoury character.

Expect: More fruit-forward and less gamey, with a peppery rather than meaty savouriness.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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 more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from mourvèdre, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Douro red

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Aglianico

curated

A similarly tannic, savoury, ageworthy southern red.

Expect: Much higher acidity and a more volcanic, ashy character.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Aglianico

curated

A similarly tannic, savoury, ageworthy southern red.

Expect: Much higher acidity and a more volcanic, ashy character.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from mourvèdre, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Syrah

curated

Its constant blending partner, with shared dark fruit and savoury character.

Expect: More fruit-forward and less gamey, with a peppery rather than meaty savouriness.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.

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 more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Touriga Nacional

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

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 Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more savoury.

Broad-leaved Melnik

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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 drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from mourvèdre.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Syrah

curated

Its constant blending partner, with shared dark fruit and savoury character.

Expect: More fruit-forward and less gamey, with a peppery rather than meaty savouriness.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Taurasi

Taurasi scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from mourvèdre.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from mourvèdre.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Australian Grenache

Both are made from mourvèdre.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from mourvèdre, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from mourvèdre.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from mourvèdre.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from mourvèdre, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Syrah

curated

Its constant blending partner, with shared dark fruit and savoury character.

Expect: More fruit-forward and less gamey, with a peppery rather than meaty savouriness.

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 more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Aglianico

curated

A similarly tannic, savoury, ageworthy southern red.

Expect: Much higher acidity and a more volcanic, ashy character.

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 more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from mourvèdre, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Priorat

Priorat scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Mourvèdre across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and drier.

How these are chosen

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.