If you like this, try…
Wines like Pinotage
A South African crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, capable of both the country’s worst clichés and some of its best reds. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Pinotage?
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 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.
- 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 peppery, too earthy or musty and too drying or too tannic.
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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Pinotage across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Tannat
Tannat scores closest to Pinotage across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Madiran
Madiran scores closest to Pinotage across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot scores closest to Pinotage across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and leaner and more cutting.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
English sparkling rosé
English sparkling rosé scores closest to Pinotage across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Pinotage across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Pinotage across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Zinfandel
curatedBoth are brambly, high-alcohol reds with a distinctive spiced character.
Expect: Jammier and softer in tannin.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.