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Wines like Australian Grenache
Old bush-vine Grenache from McLaren Vale and the Barossa — perfumed, medium-bodied and transformed from its jammy past. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Australian Grenache?
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 rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
Looking for something moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting and too peppery.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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 less spicy, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
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.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.