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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.
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 rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too peppery and too soft or too easy.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- 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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 tannic and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Fer Servadou
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.
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.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
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.
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 less floral.
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 tannic and softer, and less floral.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
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.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Barossa 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 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.
Fer Servadou
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 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 savoury, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 tannic and softer.
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.
Négrette
Négrette 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.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
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.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre.
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.
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.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
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.
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 fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 tannic and softer.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 tannic and softer.
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 more savoury, 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.
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.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.