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 the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too peppery.
- You said you like the peppery, spicy character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Alentejo red
Both are made from trincadeira, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- 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.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Alentejo red
Both are made from trincadeira, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alentejo red
Both are made from trincadeira, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more sparkling.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alentejo red
Both are made from trincadeira, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Alentejo red
Both are made from trincadeira, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Alentejo red
Both are made from trincadeira, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Alentejo red
Both are made from trincadeira, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
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.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Alentejo red
Both are made from trincadeira, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.