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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too austere.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less austere.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less austere.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
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 more savoury.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
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 more savoury.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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 riper and less green.
Trousseau
Trousseau scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Trousseau
Trousseau scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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 more savoury.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
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.
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 more oaky, 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 riper and less green.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Areni
Areni scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Blaufränkisch
Blaufränkisch scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Southern Rhône blend
Southern Rhône blend scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Vintage Port
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
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 riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
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 savoury.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Touriga Nacional
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Valpolicella Ripasso scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Saperavi
Saperavi scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Syrah
Syrah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
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 aromatic.
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 more aromatic.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Australian Grenache
Australian Grenache scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Saperavi
Saperavi scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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 more savoury.
Broad-leaved Melnik
Broad-leaved Melnik scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
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 more oaky, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
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.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Southern Rhône blend
Southern Rhône blend scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
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 more savoury.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
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 more savoury.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
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 more oaky, and drier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.