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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from too plain or too simple.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more fruit-driven.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more fruit-driven.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
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 less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Primitivo
curatedIts Puglian neighbour and blending partner.
Expect: Sweeter and jammier, with less bitterness.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 more savoury.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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 more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
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 more restrained in fruit.
Sangiovese
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 more herbal and green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Lambrusco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and spicier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Amarone della Valpolicella
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 spicier.
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.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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 more herbal and green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 fresher and more acidic.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more fruit-driven.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparable savoury, structured southern red.
Expect: More gamey and earthy.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more fruit-driven.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Mourvèdre
curatedA comparable savoury, structured southern red.
Expect: More gamey and earthy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
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 spicier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Negroamaro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
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.