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 moving away from too floral or soapy and too savoury or funky.
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.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 less floral, 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.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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 less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
English Blanc de Noirs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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
Barbaresco scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Langhe Nebbiolo scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais 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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
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.