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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 vanilla, toast and oak character, while moving away from too peppery and too tart or sour-fruited.

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.

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 vanilla, toast and oak character.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Toro

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

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less peppery.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Malbec

curated

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

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less peppery.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less peppery.
About as tart or sour-fruited 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.

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 spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Toro

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

Toro

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 oaky.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

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 spicier.

Toro

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

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 fresher, and less oaky.

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.

Primitivo

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

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

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Toro

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

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 both come from the same country.

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 spicier.

Toro

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

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 fruitier.

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 fresher, and less oaky.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 stiller, and fruitier.

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 fruitier.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less oaky, and fresher.

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 spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

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 less oaky.

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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

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 spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Toro

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

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

Sonoma 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 spicier.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jumilla Monastrell

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Montsant

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

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

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

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 spicier.

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.

Bolgheri

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

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.

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.

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 spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Super Tuscan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

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.

Toro

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Toro

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 spicier.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.