If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 savoury, non-fruity character and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.
Sangiovese
curatedShared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sangiovese
curatedShared 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 less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
curatedShared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.
Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
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 more fruit-driven.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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 more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Sangiovese
curatedShared 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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 less floral, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
curatedThe 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 more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
curatedShared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.
Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
curatedThe 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Dão
Dão scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
curatedShared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.
Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
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 less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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 fresher, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Rosso di Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Sangiovese
curatedShared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.
Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
curatedThe 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.
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 less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
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 less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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.