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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, too peppery and too floral or soapy.
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.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
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.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 floral.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Naoussa Xinomavro
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.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 floral, and less spicy.
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 floral, and less spicy.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 floral, and less spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 floral, and less spicy.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 less floral, and more savoury.
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 less floral, and more savoury.
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 floral, and less spicy.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
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 more floral, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 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.
Etna Rosso
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.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 floral.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 floral.
Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
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 floral, and less spicy.
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 less floral, and more savoury.
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 less floral, and more savoury.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 floral, 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 less floral, and less spicy.
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 less floral, and more savoury.
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 less floral, and more savoury.
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 less floral.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 floral, 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 less floral, and less spicy.
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 floral, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less floral, and fruitier.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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.