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 moving away from too plain or too simple, too green or grassy, too peppery 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.
Alentejo red
Both are made from trincadeira, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- 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.
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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Baga
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.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less 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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trincadeira across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Taurasi
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.
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 fruitier, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Taurasi
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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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.