If you like this, try…
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 floral or soapy, too jammy or sweet-tasting, too peppery, too soft or too easy and too green or grassy.
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.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 riper and less green.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 riper and less green.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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.
Dolcetto
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 tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
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
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
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 stiller.
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 less floral, and riper and less green.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
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 riper and less green.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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 tannic and softer.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
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 riper and less green.
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 tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
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 less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer.
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.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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 less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 riper and less green.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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.