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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 moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too peppery 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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Malbec

curated

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

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Substantially less heavy.

Merlot

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

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Montepulciano

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

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Montsant

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

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Bonarda

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

About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially 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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Malbec

curated

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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 fresher, and less spicy.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Merlot

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

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

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.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

Barossa 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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

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 fuller and richer, and fresher.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

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.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

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.

Marsanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Grenache Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barossa 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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc scores closest to Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Similar but more restrained

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more aromatic.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but more savoury

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

Negroamaro

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

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fruitier, and less spicy.

Bonarda

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

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

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Montsant

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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 fresher, and less spicy.

Australian Grenache

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 spicier.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Barossa 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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Montsant

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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 fresher, and less spicy.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

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 fresher, and less spicy.

Montsant

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Negroamaro

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

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

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Rioja Reserva

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.