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 keeping the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from 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.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less sweet.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less sweet.
Douro red
Both are made from touriga nacional, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less sweet.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Dão
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- 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.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 drier, and less floral.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
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.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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 drier, and less floral.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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 drier, and less floral.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Malbec
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Syrah
curatedComparable density, structure and dark fruit.
Expect: Peppery and savoury rather than floral.
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 floral, and stiller.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 drier, and less floral.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 floral, and lighter.
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.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Dão
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
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.
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 drier, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Dão
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
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 drier, and less floral.
Dão
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 drier, 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 drier, and less floral.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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 drier, and less floral.
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.
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 drier, and less floral.
Dão
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Malbec
curatedBoth are dark, floral, full-bodied reds.
Expect: Softer tannin and a plusher, less firm structure.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 drier, and less floral.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 drier, and less floral.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.