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, 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.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sangiovese
curatedShared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity 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 savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- 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.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Sangiovese
curatedShared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.
Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.
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 spicier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
País
País scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
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 less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
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 less floral.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more 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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
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 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.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more herbal and green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic 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.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic 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 more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
Bekaa Valley Red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
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 spicier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.
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 spicier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
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.