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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.
- 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.
Malbec
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.
Cahors
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.
Washington Syrah
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.
Syrah
curatedA recognisable point of comparison for dark fruit with a violet, peppery aromatic lift.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.
Mencía
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.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Beaujolais
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.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pinot Meunier
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Douro red
Both are made from touriga franca, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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 more savoury, and drier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
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.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
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.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stiller.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
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 less floral, and spicier.
Port
Both are made from touriga franca, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
Both are made from touriga franca, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Tawny Port
Both are made from touriga franca, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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 more floral, and drier.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
curatedIts most common blending partner in the Douro, and the variety it is usually measured against.
Expect: Touriga Franca is more floral and less concentrated — it contributes perfume where Touriga Nacional contributes structure.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less floral, and softer and rounder.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
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.
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.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Oregon Pinot Noir
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
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.