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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.

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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.

I like…

The rich dark fruit The floral character

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too soft or too easy too plain or too simple too floral or soapy too green or grassy too peppery

Clear all

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 soft or too easy and too peppery.

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 soft or too easy.
Substantially less peppery.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less peppery.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less peppery.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less peppery.

Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less peppery.

Bairrada Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less peppery.

Xinomavro

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less peppery.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less peppery.

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 less spicy, and more savoury.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

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 less spicy, and more savoury.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

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 less spicy.

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 less spicy, and more savoury.

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Colorino

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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Cru Beaujolais

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

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 less spicy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less spicy.

Alicante Bouschet

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.

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 less spicy, and more savoury.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less spicy.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

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 spicy, and less floral.

Bairrada Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

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 less spicy, and less floral.

Bairrada Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less spicy, and more savoury.

Xinomavro

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less spicy.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

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 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 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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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 less spicy.

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 less spicy, and sweeter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

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.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Refosco

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.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less spicy.

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 spicy.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Nebbiolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

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 less spicy, and more savoury.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.

Négrette

Négrette scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Frappato

Frappato scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Bairrada Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Bairrada Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

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 less spicy, and more savoury.

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 less spicy.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Primitivo

Primitivo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.

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 spicier.

Rioja

Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

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 spicy.

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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Rioja

Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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 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.

Barbaresco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Chianti Classico

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 less spicy.

Nebbiolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Barolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

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 less spicy, and more savoury.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less spicy, and more savoury.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Baga

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 spicier.

Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

How these are chosen

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.