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 bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too savoury or funky.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, 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.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Sangiovese
curatedShared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- 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.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little 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.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 broader and softer.
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 floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
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.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more floral.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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 less floral.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
English Blanc de Noirs
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Prokupac
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.
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 less floral.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more floral.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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.
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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader 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.
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.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Chianti Classico
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 broader and softer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
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.