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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 heavy, too green or grassy, too tart or sour-fruited and too oaky or woody.
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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little 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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less 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.
Colorino
Colorino scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
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 stronger and warmer, and spicier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Priorat
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 stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
Etna Rosso scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Mascalese scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
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 lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Corvinone
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.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and fruitier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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 lighter, and fresher.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 more oaky.
Primitivo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Zinfandel
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
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 lighter, and more oaky.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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 spicier, and lighter.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chianti
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 lighter, and more oaky.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Sonoma 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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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 lighter, and more oaky.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Priorat
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 stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
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 stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.