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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 and the full body and weight, while moving away from too drying or too tannic and too peppery.

You said you like the firm tannic structure and that it is too drying or too tannic. Both are about tannin, 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.

Primitivo

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the full body and weight.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Merlot

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Argentine Malbec

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Barossa Shiraz

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the full body and weight.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

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.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the full body and weight.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the full body and weight.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
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.

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

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 lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.

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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Similar but fresher

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and spicier.

Similar but softer

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

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in 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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Vin Doux Naturel

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Primitivo

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

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Gamay

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more restrained

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

Primitivo

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.

Malbec

curated

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

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

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 lighter, and spicier.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.

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

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 spicier.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montsant

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

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

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 lighter, and more tannic and structured.

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 lighter, and spicier.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bolgheri

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

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

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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Bolgheri

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Merlot

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.

Something more adventurous

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in 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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.