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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 light or thin, too jammy or sweet-tasting, too earthy or musty and 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Alentejo red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Portugieser
Portugieser 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.
Grolleau
Grolleau 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.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Trousseau
Trousseau scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Alentejo red
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 lighter in alcohol.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
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.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Montsant
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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Mourvèdre
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montsant
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.
Alentejo red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montsant
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.
Alentejo red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.