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Wines like Barossa Shiraz

Dense, chocolatey, high-alcohol Shiraz from some of the oldest producing vines on earth. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Barossa Shiraz?

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.

I like…

The rich dark fruit How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure The vanilla and oak

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too austere

Clear all

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 full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
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.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something keeping the full body and weight, while moving away from too austere, too heavy and too drying or too tannic.

You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Corvinone

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

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.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

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.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Argentine Malbec

curated

A comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.

Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Sagrantino

Sagrantino scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

Brunello di Montalcino

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Corvinone

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

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.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Argentine Malbec

curated

A comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.

Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.

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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

English sparkling rosé

English sparkling rosé scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Sparkling Shiraz

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 more sparkling, and fresher and more acidic.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Tinta Negra

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Corvinone

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.

Australian Grenache

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The same grape at the opposite end of the climate spectrum.

Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat, at moderate alcohol and with far less oak.

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

California Rhône blend

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 drier, and stronger and warmer.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Rioja Crianza

Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Australian Grenache

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

California Rhône blend

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 drier, and stronger and warmer.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

curated

A neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.

Expect: Slightly fresher and more red-fruited, often with a salted-chocolate edge.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Zinfandel

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Rioja Crianza

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Corvinone

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Corvinone

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Argentine Malbec

curated

A comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.

Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.

How these are chosen

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.