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 keeping the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from 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.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
- 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.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
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.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
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.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
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.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Gamay
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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale 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 more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Antão Vaz
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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
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.
Barbera d’Asti
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.
Graciano
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less 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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Graciano
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 oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
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 spicy, and more savoury.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
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 savoury, and less spicy.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Barbera
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.
Barbera d’Asti
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.
Bonarda
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.
Cru Beaujolais
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 spicy.
Morgon
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 spicy.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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 spicy, and more savoury.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 spicy, and more savoury.
Rioja Crianza
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 more savoury, and spicier.
Garnacha rosado
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
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 more savoury.
McLaren Vale 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 more savoury.
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 more savoury.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
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.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
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.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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 more savoury, and fruitier.
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 more savoury, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
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.