If you like this, try…
Wines like Trincadeira
An Alentejo variety giving spicy, herbal reds, prone to rot in damp conditions. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Trincadeira?
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".
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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 herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too austere and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Saperavi
Saperavi scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tinta Negra
Both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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
Pinot Noir scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Areni
Areni scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Tawny Port
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Syrah
Syrah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Red Bordeaux
Red Bordeaux scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Red Bordeaux
Red Bordeaux scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.