If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 jammy or sweet-tasting, too oaky or woody and too drying or too tannic.
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.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- 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.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
Expect: Slightly fresher and more red-fruited, often with a salted-chocolate edge.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA 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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe 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.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually 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 lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Priorat
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 tannic and structured, and spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedBoth are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Barossa Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Doux Naturel
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
Expect: Slightly fresher and more red-fruited, often with a salted-chocolate edge.
Argentine Malbec
curatedThe structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Priorat
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 tannic and structured, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
Expect: Slightly fresher and more red-fruited, often with a salted-chocolate edge.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe 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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Priorat
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 tannic and structured, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
Expect: Slightly fresher and more red-fruited, often with a salted-chocolate edge.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Priorat
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 tannic and structured, and spicier.
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 lighter, and lighter in 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 lighter, and more tannic and structured.
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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
Expect: Slightly fresher and more red-fruited, often with a salted-chocolate edge.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
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 tannic and structured.
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 lighter, 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.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA 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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
Expect: Slightly fresher and more red-fruited, often with a salted-chocolate edge.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
Expect: Slightly fresher and more red-fruited, often with a salted-chocolate edge.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Priorat
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 tannic and structured, and spicier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.