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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from too peppery.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
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.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
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
Fer Servadou scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Colorino
Colorino scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Touriga Nacional across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Port
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 tannic and softer, and spicier.
Vintage Port
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 spicier, and less floral.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Ruby Port
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, and spicier.
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.
Dão
Both are made from touriga nacional, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, and spicier.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.