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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 vanilla, toast and oak character, while moving away from too peppery and too oaky or woody.

You said you like the vanilla, toast and oak character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the vanilla, toast and oak character and that it is too oaky or woody. Both are about oak influence, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the vanilla, toast and oak character and that it is too oaky or woody. Both are about spice, 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

curated

A neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
A little less oaky or woody.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Toro

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

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
A little less oaky or woody.

Merlot

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

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
A little less oaky or woody.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

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

curated

A neighbouring South Australian region with maritime cooling.

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Toro

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

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

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Toro

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Margaret River 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Chilean 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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.

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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Merlot

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

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

Margaret River 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Chilean 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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.

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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Merlot

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

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

Margaret River 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Chilean 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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.

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’Alba

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy.

Madiran

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but fresher

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Margaret River 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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Chilean 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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

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.

Toro

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

curated

Both 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 spicier, and fresher and more acidic.

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 fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.

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 sweeter.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Franciacorta

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Vin Doux Naturel

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Toro

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

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

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

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

Margaret River 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Toro

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

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

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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Margaret River 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.

Barolo

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

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and more aromatic.

Toro

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

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.

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 less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Madiran

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but fruitier

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

Toro

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

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

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 less spicy.

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.

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.

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.

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.

Montsant

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

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

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 spicier, and earthier.

Rioja Crianza

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Montsant

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

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

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

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 more oaky, 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 spicier, and fresher and more acidic.

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 less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

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 restrained in fruit.

Chilean 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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

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

Barbera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Toro

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

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

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.

Margaret River 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 less spicy, and fresher.

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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 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 less spicy, and fresher.

Jumilla Monastrell

curated

Comparable density and warmth at a much lower price.

Expect: Earthier and more gamey, with less oak.

Toro

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

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

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.

A step up

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

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 spicier, and earthier.

Barbaresco

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

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

Argentine Malbec

curated

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

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

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.