If you like this, try…
Wines like Syrah
A peppery, dark-fruited variety that produces two recognisably different wines depending on climate — and two different names to match. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Syrah?
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 firm, grippy structure
- High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
- 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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it, the firm tannic structure and the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too earthy or musty and too drying or too tannic.
- You said you like the firm tannic structure and that it is too drying or too tannic. Both are about tannin, 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.
Malbec
curatedSimilar weight, dark fruit and velvet texture — the commonest crossover for people who like full reds.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Grenache
curatedIts constant blending partner, sharing warm-climate Mediterranean character.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Malbec
curatedSimilar weight, dark fruit and velvet texture — the commonest crossover for people who like full reds.
Expect: Softer, plusher and more floral, without the pepper and savoury meatiness.
Grenache
curatedIts constant blending partner, sharing warm-climate Mediterranean character.
Expect: Paler, softer and sweeter in fruit, with higher alcohol but much less tannin and no pepper.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grenache
curatedIts constant blending partner, sharing warm-climate Mediterranean character.
Expect: Paler, softer and sweeter in fruit, with higher alcohol but much less tannin and no pepper.
Malbec
curatedSimilar weight, dark fruit and velvet texture — the commonest crossover for people who like full reds.
Expect: Softer, plusher and more floral, without the pepper and savoury meatiness.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Blaufränkisch
curatedShares the peppery, dark-fruited, savoury profile of cool-climate Syrah.
Expect: Lighter and higher in acid, with more red fruit and a sour-cherry edge.
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.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Grenache
curatedIts constant blending partner, sharing warm-climate Mediterranean character.
Expect: Paler, softer and sweeter in fruit, with higher alcohol but much less tannin and no pepper.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Petit Verdot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Mavrud
Mavrud scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Blaufränkisch
curatedShares the peppery, dark-fruited, savoury profile of cool-climate Syrah.
Expect: Lighter and higher in acid, with more red fruit and a sour-cherry edge.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Malbec
curatedSimilar weight, dark fruit and velvet texture — the commonest crossover for people who like full reds.
Expect: Softer, plusher and more floral, without the pepper and savoury meatiness.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
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 more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Prokupac
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Malbec
curatedSimilar weight, dark fruit and velvet texture — the commonest crossover for people who like full reds.
Expect: Softer, plusher and more floral, without the pepper and savoury meatiness.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and earthier.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
curatedSimilar weight, dark fruit and velvet texture — the commonest crossover for people who like full reds.
Expect: Softer, plusher and more floral, without the pepper and savoury meatiness.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and earthier.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more neutral and subtle.
Northern Rhône Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more neutral and subtle.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more neutral and subtle.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more neutral and subtle.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grenache
curatedIts constant blending partner, sharing warm-climate Mediterranean character.
Expect: Paler, softer and sweeter in fruit, with higher alcohol but much less tannin and no pepper.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and earthier.
Malbec
curatedSimilar weight, dark fruit and velvet texture — the commonest crossover for people who like full reds.
Expect: Softer, plusher and more floral, without the pepper and savoury meatiness.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Blaufränkisch
curatedShares the peppery, dark-fruited, savoury profile of cool-climate Syrah.
Expect: Lighter and higher in acid, with more red fruit and a sour-cherry edge.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Alentejo red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more neutral and subtle.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
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.