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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.
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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.
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.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
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.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
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 fuller and richer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
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 fuller and richer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and sweeter.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more sparkling.
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.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more neutral and subtle.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
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.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.