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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 moving away from too austere, too oaky or woody, too heavy, too drying or too tannic and 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.

Tinta Barroca

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

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Substantially less austere.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Touriga Franca

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

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.

Corvina

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

Substantially less austere.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Merlot

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

About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
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.

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 more oaky.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more oaky.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more oaky.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Muscat Bailey A

Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 less oaky.

Muscat Bailey A

Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

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.

Bairrada Baga

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Barbaresco

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 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 more oaky.

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

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

Merlot

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

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

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 spicier, and fresher and more acidic.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

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

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

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicier, and more sparkling.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat Bailey A

Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Merlot

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Gamay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Muscat Bailey A

Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more oaky.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Gamay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Dornfelder

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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.

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 more oaky.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

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.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Montsant

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

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

Grenache

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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.

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 spicier.

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.

Montsant

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

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.

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.

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 spicier.

Grenache

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

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

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.

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 more oaky.

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicier.

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.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Touriga Franca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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.