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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 moving away from too green or grassy 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.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- 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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Dolcetto
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.
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria 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
Red Burgundy scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
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 tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and 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.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and riper and less green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
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 tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
Primitivo 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 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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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 tannic and softer, 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 tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Shiraz
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 riper and less green.
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 tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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 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.