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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.

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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.

I like…

The bright red fruit The firm, grippy structure How fresh and crisp it is The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too drying or too tannic too sharp or acidic too floral or soapy too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

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 earthy, savoury-mineral character, while moving away from too sharp or acidic, too tart or sour-fruited 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.

Nebbiolo

curated

The structural parallel is close enough that Xinomavro is routinely used as a Barolo substitute.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
A little less sharp or acidic.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less savoury or funky.

Washington Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less savoury or funky.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Mavrud

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Broad-leaved Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
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.

Nebbiolo

curated

The 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.

Washington Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Washington Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Tibouren

Tibouren scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Cinsault

Cinsault scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Washington Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Mavrud

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Washington Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Douro red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

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 broader and softer, and spicier.

Douro red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Mavrud

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

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 broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.

Frühburgunder

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.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Rioja

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Rioja Reserva

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Nebbiolo

curated

The 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 fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

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 softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Nebbiolo

curated

The 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.

Uco Valley Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.

Douro red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Broad-leaved Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.

Mavrud

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

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.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Nebbiolo

curated

The 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.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Washington Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Mavrud

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

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 fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

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.

Nebbiolo

curated

The 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.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Washington Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

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.

Washington Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Northern Rhône Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.

How these are chosen

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.