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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 keeping the firm tannic structure, while moving away from 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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less heavy.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less heavy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less heavy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less heavy.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little 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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
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.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Priorat
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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 less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
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.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Nerello Mascalese
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 softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
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 less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Dolcetto
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 riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Blaufränkisch
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 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 less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Etna Rosso
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.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
Zinfandel
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Washington 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 riper and less green.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
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 less tannic and softer, 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 stronger and warmer.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, 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 riper and less green.
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 stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
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 riper and less green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Priorat
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.