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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 keeping the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too soft or too easy, too plain or too simple 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.

Shiraz

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.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
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.

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.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Blaufränkisch

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 oaky.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 oaky.

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.

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 oaky.

Red Burgundy

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Barossa 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.

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 more savoury.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 oaky.

Barossa 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.

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 more savoury.

Napa Valley 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.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Petite Sirah

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Tannat

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

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

Petit Verdot

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Madiran

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

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

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bairrada Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 oaky.

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Barossa 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less oaky.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

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 stiller.

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 more savoury, and less oaky.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Bobal

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

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

Nero di Troia

Nero di Troia scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Barossa 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

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.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less oaky, and riper and less green.

Uco Valley Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Négrette

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

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

Frappato

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

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.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Rioja

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

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

Rioja Reserva

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

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

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fruitier, and less oaky.

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.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

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

Zinfandel

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

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

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.

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 more savoury.

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 more savoury.

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 more savoury.

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.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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 more savoury.

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 more savoury.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

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

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 fruitier, and less tannic and softer.

Barossa 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 fruitier, 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 fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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.

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 more savoury.

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 more savoury.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

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.

Barossa 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.