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Wines like Shiraz

The Australian name for Syrah, used to signal the riper, fuller, sweeter-fruited style the country made famous. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Shiraz

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What do you like about Shiraz?

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 rich dark fruit How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure The vanilla and oak

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too tart or sour-fruited too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery

Clear all

What these words mean

The rich dark fruit: Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
The bright red fruit: Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
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 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.

Looking for something keeping the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too jammy or sweet-tasting and too peppery.

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.

Malbec

curated

Comparable weight and dark plush fruit, and the most common crossover choice.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less peppery.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less peppery.

Negroamaro

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less peppery.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less peppery.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less peppery.

Ribera del Duero

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
About as peppery 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.

Malbec

curated

Comparable weight and dark plush fruit, and the most common crossover choice.

Expect: More floral, less oaky and usually a touch fresher.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

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.

Negroamaro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Syrah

curated

The same variety in its cooler-climate expression.

Expect: Black pepper, olive and savoury meat in place of chocolate and sweet fruit, at lower alcohol.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Cahors

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Lagrein

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Merlot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Carmenère

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Similar but fresher

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

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.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Cahors

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Carignan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Malbec

curated

Comparable weight and dark plush fruit, and the most common crossover choice.

Expect: More floral, less oaky and usually a touch fresher.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.

Syrah

curated

The same variety in its cooler-climate expression.

Expect: Black pepper, olive and savoury meat in place of chocolate and sweet fruit, at lower alcohol.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more restrained

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Negroamaro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Similar but more floral

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

Malbec

curated

Comparable weight and dark plush fruit, and the most common crossover choice.

Expect: More floral, less oaky and usually a touch fresher.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.

Cahors

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Similar but more savoury

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

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Madiran

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

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

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Bekaa Valley Red

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

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.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

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.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

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 fresher, and spicier.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

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.