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 keeping the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too light or thin.
- You said you like the rich, ripe dark fruit and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
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.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cinsault
Cinsault scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
País scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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 lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.