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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 bright red-fruited character, while moving away from 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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Barbera

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Etna Rosso

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
A little less savoury or funky.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Frappato

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cinsault

Cinsault 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.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Washington Syrah

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

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

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 fuller and richer.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 sparkling rosé

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

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

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

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

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.

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mondeuse Noire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Castelão

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

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 restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Gavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Barbera

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Blaufränkisch

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

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

Chianti

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Barbera

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Barbera

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

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.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

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.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

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.

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.