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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 rich, ripe dark fruit and the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too plain or too simple.
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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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 less oaky, and riper and less green.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
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 less oaky, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less floral, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
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 oaky.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 more savoury, and less oaky.
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 more savoury, and less oaky.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
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 less oaky, 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 less floral, and fruitier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 riper and less green.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Jaen
Jaen scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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 less floral, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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
Barolo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 more savoury, and less oaky.
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 less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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 more savoury, and less floral.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
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 floral.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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 more savoury, and less oaky.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 less floral, and less oaky.
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.
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 more savoury, and less oaky.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Northern Rhône Syrah
Northern Rhône Syrah scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 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.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 more savoury, and less oaky.
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 less oaky, and more savoury.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
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.