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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.

← Back to Syrah

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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.

I like…

The firm, grippy structure The spice How aromatic it is The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too perfumed too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

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 the firm tannic structure and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too drying or too tannic and too earthy or musty.

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.

Grenache

curated

Its constant blending partner, sharing warm-climate Mediterranean character.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Chilean Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Malbec

curated

Similar weight, dark fruit and velvet texture — the commonest crossover for people who like full reds.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Merlot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Rioja Crianza

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

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

curated

Its 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.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Malbec

curated

Similar 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.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Grenache

curated

Its 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.

Merlot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.

Trousseau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Cru Beaujolais

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Loire Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.

Grenache

curated

Its 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.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Petit Verdot

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tannat

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

Madiran

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

Toro

Toro scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Areni

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Egri Bikavér

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Grenache

curated

Its 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.

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 fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

English sparkling rosé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Trousseau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Prokupac

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Castelão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Bolgheri

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 earthier.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

Malbec

curated

Similar 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.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Merlot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Rioja Crianza

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Malbec

curated

Similar 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Merlot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Rioja Crianza

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

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 more savoury, and earthier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione scores closest to Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

California Rhône blend

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

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.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

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

curated

Its 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.

Merlot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Rioja Crianza

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

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 tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

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 tannic and structured.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

How these are chosen

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.