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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 jammy or sweet-tasting, too peppery 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

curated

A 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.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

curated

A 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.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable 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.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.

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 peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

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.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Substantially less peppery.
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

curated

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

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

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.

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable 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.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

curated

A 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Madiran

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Sagrantino

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

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

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.

Similar but fresher

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

curated

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

curated

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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Merlot

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

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

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 more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Merlot

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 spicier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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.

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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 spicier.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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 fruitier.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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 fruitier.

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 fruit-driven, and lighter.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.

Similar but more floral

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

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicier.

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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicier.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

Primitivo

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.

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

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

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.

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 spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with 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 spicier.

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, 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 lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Rioja Crianza

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 spicier, 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 spicier.

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.

Merlot

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

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

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 spicier.

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.

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

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

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 spicier, and more tannic and structured.

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.