If you like this, try…
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 peppery and too floral or soapy.
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.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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 floral, and less spicy.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 floral, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
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 earthier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 floral, and less spicy.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.
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 both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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.