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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 keeping the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from 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.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- 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.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
Dão
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
Dão
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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 riper and less green.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dão
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Etna Rosso
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 softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 floral, and riper and less green.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
Dão
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.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Jaen
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 more floral, and riper and less green.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
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 floral, and riper and less green.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Dão
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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 floral, 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 Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
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
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 less floral, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Cru Beaujolais
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dão
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Dão
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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.