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 and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too oaky or woody and too drying or too tannic.
- You said you like the firm tannic structure and that it is too drying or too tannic. Both are about tannin, 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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- 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.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- A little 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.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- 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.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- 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.
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
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.
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.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 in alcohol, and lighter.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and 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
curatedA 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 less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Toro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
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.
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.
Washington 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 more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
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 less oaky.
Nero d’Avola
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.
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 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 spicier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
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 sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Vin Doux Naturel
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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 spicier, and leaner and more cutting.
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.
Expect: Slightly fresher and more red-fruited, often with a salted-chocolate edge.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and 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 lighter in alcohol, 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 spicier, and sweeter.
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 oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.
California Rhône blend
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 lighter, and spicier.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
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.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
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 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.
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.
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 more tannic and structured, and lighter.
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 spicier, and sweeter.
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
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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.
California Rhône blend
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 lighter, and spicier.
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.
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.
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 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 lighter, and more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.
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 tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Washington 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 more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less oaky.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
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.
Merlot
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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
curatedA 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
curatedComparable density and warmth at a much lower price.
Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.
Washington 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 more tannic and structured, 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.
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.
California Rhône blend
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 lighter, and spicier.
Washington 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 more tannic and structured, 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.
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 spicier.
Argentine Malbec
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More floral and violet-scented, and usually less 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 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.
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.