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.
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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 peppery.
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less peppery.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less peppery.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less peppery.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less peppery.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less peppery.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less peppery.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less peppery.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 earthier, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 earthier, and more savoury.
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cinsault
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 sweeter.
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 riper and less green, and lighter.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Schiava
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.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Douro red
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Primitivo
Primitivo 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
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 sweeter.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 less spicy, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
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.
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 sweeter.
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 sweeter.
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 sweeter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Morgon
Morgon scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Jaen
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.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Chianti
Chianti scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 earthier, and more savoury.
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 earthier, and more savoury.
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 more floral.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.