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 firm tannic structure and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too floral or soapy.
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.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both are made from xinomavro, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sangiovese
curatedShared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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
Valpolicella scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
País
País scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less floral.
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 less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic 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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
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.
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.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Aglianico
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Langhe Nebbiolo scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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 broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
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.