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Wines like Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Cassis, mint and eucalyptus from a narrow strip of red terra rossa soil — Australia’s most distinctive Cabernet. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon?
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 bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- 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.
- 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 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 herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too drying or too tannic, too green or grassy and too heavy.
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.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less heavy.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less 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.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mavrud
Mavrud scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Taurasi
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Chianti
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chianti
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
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.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Priorat
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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.