If you like this, try…
Wines like Negroamaro
Puglia’s savoury, bitter-edged red variety, and the counterweight to Primitivo’s sweetness. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Negroamaro?
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 austere, too plain or too simple and too heavy.
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.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less heavy.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less heavy.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less heavy.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less heavy.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparable savoury, structured southern red.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less heavy.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparable savoury, structured southern red.
Expect: More gamey and earthy.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
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.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
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 Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 fuller and richer, and drier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Nebbiolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Primitivo
curatedIts Puglian neighbour and blending partner.
Expect: Sweeter and jammier, with less bitterness.
California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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.