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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.
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, too peppery and too green or grassy.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
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 less spicy.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
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.
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.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder 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.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
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.
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.
Petit Verdot
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.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 less spicy.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more 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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 spicy.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
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 riper and less green.
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 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
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.
Graciano
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.
Refosco
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 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 riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
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.
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.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green.
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.
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.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 spicier, and riper and less green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less 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.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.