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 keeping the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too soft or too easy.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
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
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
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.
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 tannic and softer, and earthier.
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.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
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.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 tannic and softer, and earthier.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
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 stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
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.
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 stiller, and more savoury.
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 sweeter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Cornalin
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.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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
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 more aromatic.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
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 more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 tannic and softer, and earthier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
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 more floral.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
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 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 less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 tannic and softer, and earthier.
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
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 earthier.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 tannic and softer, and earthier.
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.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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.
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.