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.

← Back to Touriga Franca

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.

I like…

The rich dark fruit The firm, grippy structure The floral character

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too drying or too tannic too heavy too oaky or woody too floral or soapy too sweet

Clear all

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 rich, ripe dark fruit and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too oaky or woody and too sweet.

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.

Graciano

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less sweet.

Montsant

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less sweet.

Fer Servadou

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less sweet.

Dolcetto

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less sweet.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less sweet.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less sweet.

Alicante Bouschet

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less sweet.

Corvinone

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less sweet.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Graciano

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Graciano

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

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.

Fer Servadou

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Dornfelder

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

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

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.

Fer Servadou

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

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 tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Rondo

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Alicante Bouschet

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 oaky.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.

Similar but less tannic

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

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

Toro scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Graciano

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

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Alicante Bouschet

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 oaky.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

English sparkling rosé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 sweeter, and spicier.

Vintage Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more oaky, and drier.

Barossa Shiraz

Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pinotage

Pinotage scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 drier, and more savoury.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Montsant

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Frappato

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

curated

Its 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.

Similar but less floral

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Dão

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

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

Cahors

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Carignan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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 drier, and more savoury.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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 drier, and more savoury.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Syrah

curated

A recognisable point of comparison for dark fruit with a violet, peppery aromatic lift.

Expect: Touriga Franca is more tannic and less overtly peppery.

Something more adventurous

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

Graciano

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

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.

Graciano

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

A step up

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

Priorat scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Argentine Malbec

Argentine Malbec scores closest to Touriga Franca across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.