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 and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too soft or too easy 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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially 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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
País
País scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Fer Servadou
Fer Servadou scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Douro red
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Southern Rhône blend
Southern Rhône blend scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Languedoc red
Languedoc red scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Syrah
Syrah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Southern Rhône blend
Southern Rhône blend scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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 less tannic and softer.
Vintage Port
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Saperavi
Saperavi scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Touriga Nacional
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Mavrud
Mavrud scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Languedoc red
Languedoc red scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Syrah
Syrah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Red Bordeaux
Red Bordeaux scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.