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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 keeping the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too earthy or musty and too drying or too tannic.

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.

Chianti

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Chianti Classico

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Dão

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Areni

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.

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.

Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Molinara

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Frappato

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.

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.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Dão

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

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

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more sparkling.

Similar but sweeter

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

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.

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

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 fuller and richer.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Similar but more restrained

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

Gavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Franken Silvaner

Franken Silvaner scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Cortese

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Silvaner

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Similar but more floral

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but less floral

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

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

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.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Naoussa Xinomavro

Both are made from xinomavro, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.

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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

Both are made from xinomavro, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

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.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.

Something more adventurous

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Dão

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

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

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Dão

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

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

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

A step up

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

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.