If you like this, try…
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.
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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.
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 moving away from too heavy and too floral or soapy.
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
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Syrah
curatedComparable density, structure and dark fruit.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less heavy.
- 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
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Syrah
curatedComparable density, structure and dark fruit.
Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than floral.
Touriga Franca
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 less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malbec
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Touriga Franca
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 less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Malbec
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Touriga Franca
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 less spicy.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Malbec
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Franca
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 less spicy.
Alentejo 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 less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 stronger and warmer, and drier.
Barolo
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
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Syrah
curatedComparable density, structure and dark fruit.
Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than floral.
Alentejo 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 less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Malbec
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Ruby Port
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Tawny Port
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Port
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Vintage Port
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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 stronger and warmer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer, and drier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Malbec
curatedBoth 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.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Franken Silvaner
Franken Silvaner scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Malbec
curatedBoth 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.
Malbec
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Touriga Franca
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 more restrained in fruit.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
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.
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 stronger and warmer.
Alentejo 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 less floral, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
Alentejo 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 less floral, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Syrah
curatedComparable density, structure and dark fruit.
Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than floral.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Touriga Franca
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 less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Touriga Franca
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 less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Syrah
curatedComparable density, structure and dark fruit.
Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than 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.