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.
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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.
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.
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
curatedThe structural parallel is close enough that Xinomavro is routinely used as a Barolo substitute.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
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 earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
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
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.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both are made from xinomavro, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
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.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 spicier, and broader and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
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 stiller.
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.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less tannic and softer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less tannic and softer.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
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 tannic and softer, and spicier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
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 more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
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.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
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 aromatic, and more floral.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less floral.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.
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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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 less floral, and spicier.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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 fruitier.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
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.
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.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both are made from xinomavro, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both are made from xinomavro, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 aromatic, and spicier.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
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.