If you like this, try…
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 oaky or woody, too heavy, too tart or sour-fruited, too green or grassy and too austere.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less heavy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less heavy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 drier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 drier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
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
Rondinella scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
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 drier.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 drier, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 drier, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Madiran
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 drier, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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 drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Toro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco 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 drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Tinta Barroca
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
Pinotage
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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 drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
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 drier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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 drier.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.
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 drier, and lighter.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
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 drier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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 drier, and lighter.
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 drier, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Madiran
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 drier, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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 drier, and lighter.
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.
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 drier, and lighter.
Primitivo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 drier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more 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.
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 drier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more 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 both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Ribera del Duero
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
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.