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Wines like Tempranillo

Spain’s leading red variety, giving savoury, leather-and-cherry wines that are shaped as much by oak ageing as by the grape itself. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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Refine

What do you like about Tempranillo?

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 vanilla and oak The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

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

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.
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.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, the vanilla, toast and oak character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too oaky or woody.

You said you like the vanilla, toast and oak character and that it is too oaky or woody. Both are about oak influence, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the vanilla, toast and oak character and that it is too oaky or woody. Both are about spice, 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.

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less oaky or woody.

Mourvèdre

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less oaky or woody.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Red Bordeaux

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less oaky or woody.

Douro red

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less oaky or woody.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Chianti Classico

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Expect: Higher acidity and firmer, grippier tannin, with tomato-leaf and herb notes in place of leather and vanilla.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Expect: Higher acidity and firmer, grippier tannin, with tomato-leaf and herb notes in place of leather and vanilla.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Dão

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

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

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.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Priorat

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

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Rioja Crianza

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Carmenère

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

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

Chilean Carmenère

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bairrada Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Carignan

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Dão

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

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

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.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher and more acidic.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

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 fruitier.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Expect: Higher acidity and firmer, grippier tannin, with tomato-leaf and herb notes in place of leather and vanilla.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Port

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

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

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.

Dão

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

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

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Expect: Higher acidity and firmer, grippier tannin, with tomato-leaf and herb notes in place of leather and vanilla.

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

Priorat

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Barbaresco

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Expect: Higher acidity and firmer, grippier tannin, with tomato-leaf and herb notes in place of leather and vanilla.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Malbec

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

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Fetească Neagră

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

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.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Dão

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Dão

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

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

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Rioja Crianza

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

Toro

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Port

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

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

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.

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Expect: Higher acidity and firmer, grippier tannin, with tomato-leaf and herb notes in place of leather and vanilla.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Something more adventurous

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

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Dão

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

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

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.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Dão

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

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

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

Priorat

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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.