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 light or thin, too earthy or musty, too jammy or sweet-tasting and too plain or too simple.
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.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
País
País scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
curatedA close genetic relative with a similar aromatic profile.
Expect: Lighter in colour and more delicate.
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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Super Tuscan
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
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
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 less oaky, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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
Bobal scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Refosco
Refosco scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Nero di Troia
Nero di Troia scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Cornalin
Cornalin scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
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.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
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 less oaky.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
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 less oaky.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
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.