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Wines like Xinomavro

Northern Greece’s great red: pale, austere, extremely tannic and scented of dried tomato and olive. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Xinomavro?

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.

I like…

The bright red fruit The firm, grippy structure How fresh and crisp it is The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too drying or too tannic too sharp or acidic too floral or soapy too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

What these words mean

The bright red fruit: Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
How fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
The floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
The earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.

Looking for something moving away from too tart or sour-fruited.

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.

Nebbiolo

curated

The structural parallel is close enough that Xinomavro is routinely used as a Barolo substitute.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Aglianico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Chianti Classico Riserva

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Nebbiolo

curated

The structural parallel is close enough that Xinomavro is routinely used as a Barolo substitute.

Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Nebbiolo

curated

The structural parallel is close enough that Xinomavro is routinely used as a Barolo substitute.

Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

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.

País

País scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Tibouren

Tibouren scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Grolleau

Grolleau scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Portugieser

Portugieser scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Grolleau

Grolleau scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Schiava

Schiava scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Cru Beaujolais

Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Rioja

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Rioja Reserva

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Tempranillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Nebbiolo

curated

The structural parallel is close enough that Xinomavro is routinely used as a Barolo substitute.

Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Touriga Franca

Touriga Franca scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Sagrantino

Sagrantino scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Carignan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Nebbiolo

curated

The structural parallel is close enough that Xinomavro is routinely used as a Barolo substitute.

Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.

Chasselas

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Nebbiolo

curated

The structural parallel is close enough that Xinomavro is routinely used as a Barolo substitute.

Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.

Aglianico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.

Chianti Classico Riserva

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

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.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Chianti Classico Riserva

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Lagrein

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.

Syrah

Syrah scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Naoussa Xinomavro

Both are made from xinomavro, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Naoussa Xinomavro

Both are made from xinomavro, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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

curated

The structural parallel is close enough that Xinomavro is routinely used as a Barolo substitute.

Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Aglianico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.

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.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Aglianico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

How these are chosen

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.