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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.
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 and the rich, ripe dark fruit.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 floral, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 more savoury, and riper and less green.
Loire Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
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.
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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 stiller.
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 sweeter, and riper and less green.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
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 more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
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 floral, and less spicy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel 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.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon 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 riper and less green.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
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 floral.
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 softer and rounder.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
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 floral.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
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.
McLaren Vale 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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
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 more savoury, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Australian Grenache across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.