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, while moving away from too green or grassy.
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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Uruguayan Tannat
Uruguayan Tannat scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
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 riper and less green, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 more oaky, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
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.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
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.