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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 earthy or musty, too soft or too easy, too jammy or sweet-tasting and too light or thin.
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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less light or thin.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less light or thin.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- 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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
País
País scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire 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.
Fer Servadou
Fer Servadou scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa 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.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Rosso di Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cornalin
Cornalin scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic 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.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.