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 heavy and too austere.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less heavy.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.
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 sparkling.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.
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 sparkling.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
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
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 sparkling.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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
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 sparkling.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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 more fruit-driven.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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 more savoury.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
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 fuller and richer, and drier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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 fuller and richer.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparable savoury, structured southern red.
Expect: More gamey and earthy.
Syrah
Syrah scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Languedoc red
Languedoc red scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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 stiller.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Franciacorta
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 sparkling.
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 sparkling.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
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 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.
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 sparkling.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more fruit-driven, and drier.
Barbaresco
Both come from the same country.
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 more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
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 sparkling.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Taurasi
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.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.
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 sparkling.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.
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 sparkling.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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.
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.