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.
Refine
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 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.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- 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.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
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 floral, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
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 riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and earthier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 riper and less green.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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 Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
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 Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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.