If you like this, try…
Wines like Touriga Franca
The most planted variety in the Douro, contributing perfume, colour and elegance to Port and dry reds. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Touriga Franca?
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 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.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- 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 floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- The touch of sweetness
- Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.
Looking for something keeping the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too heavy.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, 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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Douro red
Both are made from touriga franca, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
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 drier, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Syrah
curatedA recognisable point of comparison for dark fruit with a violet, peppery aromatic lift.
Expect: Touriga Franca is more tannic and less overtly peppery.
Tinta Barroca
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Alentejo red
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
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 less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Ruby Port
Both are made from touriga franca, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Tawny Port
Both are made from touriga franca, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
White Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Port
Both are made from touriga franca, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and stronger and warmer.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 drier, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
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.