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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 firm tannic structure, the fresh, crisp acidity and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too savoury or funky and too tart or sour-fruited.

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.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.

Nebbiolo

curated

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Barbaresco

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Aglianico

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Baga

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Bairrada Baga

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Barolo

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Taurasi

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

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.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

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 fruitier, and more aromatic.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

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

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

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

Tibouren

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Poulsard

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Cru Beaujolais

Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Similar but less tannic

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

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Saperavi

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

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

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 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 fruitier, and broader and softer.

Saperavi

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional scores closest to Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

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.

Barolo

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

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

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.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Barolo

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami 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.

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Taurasi

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mavrud

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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 savoury, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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 lighter, and more savoury.

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.

Sangiovese

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Barolo

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Taurasi

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

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

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.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Taurasi

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

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

A step up

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

Barolo

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 softer and rounder.

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.