If you like this, try…
Wines like St Laurent
An Austrian red related to Pinot Noir, producing dark-cherry-scented wines of real finesse. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about St Laurent?
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.
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 light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
Looking for something moving away from too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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.
País
País scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Pinot Noir
curatedA close genetic relative with a similar aromatic profile.
Expect: Lighter in colour and more delicate.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more aromatic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.