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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.

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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 full body and weight and the vanilla, toast and oak character, while moving away from too heavy and too peppery.

You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the vanilla, toast and oak character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Malbec

curated

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

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.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Merlot

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Tempranillo

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less heavy.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Pinotage

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less heavy.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

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 sweeter.

Malbec

curated

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

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

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 less oaky, and less spicy.

Merlot

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

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

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 sweeter.

Merlot

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

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

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 less oaky, and less spicy.

Tempranillo

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

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

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 sweeter.

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 less oaky, 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 less oaky, and less spicy.

Merlot

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

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

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 less oaky, 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 less oaky, and less spicy.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 sweeter.

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 stronger and warmer.

Merlot

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

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

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 less oaky, and spicier.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

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.

Malbec

curated

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

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

Merlot

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

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

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 sweeter.

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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Tempranillo

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 earthier.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malbec

curated

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

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 more aromatic.

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 less oaky, and less spicy.

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.

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 less oaky, 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.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

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

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Rioja

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

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

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 sweeter.

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Bolgheri

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

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

Super Tuscan

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

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

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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 less oaky, and less spicy.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bekaa Valley Red

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 stronger and warmer.

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 fuller and richer, and less oaky.

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less oaky, 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 sweeter.

Merlot

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

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

Tempranillo

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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 less oaky, 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 less oaky, and less spicy.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

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 less oaky, 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 less oaky, and less spicy.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

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.

Tempranillo

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

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

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.

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.