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Wines like Touriga Nacional

Portugal’s most prized red variety: intensely floral, deeply coloured and firmly structured. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Touriga Nacional

Refine

What do you like about Touriga Nacional?

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 How full and weighty it is The floral character

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too drying or too tannic too heavy too floral or soapy too peppery 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 floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
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 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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too sweet and too heavy.

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.

Syrah

curated

Comparable density, structure and dark fruit.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sweet.
A little less heavy.

Malbec

curated

Both are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sweet.
A little less heavy.

Nebbiolo

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sweet.
A little less heavy.

Barolo

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sweet.
A little less heavy.

Barbaresco

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sweet.
A little less heavy.

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less heavy.

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less heavy.

Mavrud

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sweet.
A little 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.

Syrah

curated

Comparable density, structure and dark fruit.

Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than floral.

Malbec

curated

Both are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.

Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Malbec

curated

Both are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.

Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.

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.

Dolcetto

Dolcetto scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Fer Servadou

Fer Servadou scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Fer Servadou

Fer Servadou scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Similar but less tannic

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

Malbec

curated

Both are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.

Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.

Syrah

curated

Comparable density, structure and dark fruit.

Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than floral.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Malbec

curated

Both are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.

Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.

Syrah

curated

Comparable density, structure and dark fruit.

Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than floral.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Mourvèdre

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but sweeter

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

Vintage Port

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

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

Ruby Port

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

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

Port

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

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

Tawny Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nero di Troia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja

Rioja scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Tempranillo

Tempranillo scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Rioja Reserva

Rioja Reserva scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Malbec

curated

Both are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.

Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.

Similar but more restrained

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Dão

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

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Malbec

curated

Both are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.

Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.

Similar but less floral

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

Syrah

curated

Comparable density, structure and dark fruit.

Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than floral.

Malbec

curated

Both are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.

Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Sirah

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Alentejo red

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Alentejo red

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

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

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Malbec

curated

Both are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.

Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.

Syrah

curated

Comparable density, structure and dark fruit.

Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than floral.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Something more adventurous

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Mavrud

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Baga

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

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

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.

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Mavrud

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Baga

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

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

A step up

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.