If you like this, try…
Wines like Full-bodied dry red
Dense, powerful reds with substantial tannin, dark fruit and often noticeable oak — the wines for steak and for cellaring. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Full-bodied dry red?
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 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 and the firm tannic structure.
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.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Full-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fruitier.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Argentine Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Alentejo red
Both are made from touriga nacional, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Priorat
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
Both are made from touriga nacional, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Petite Sirah
Both are made from petite sirah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Aglianico
Both are made from aglianico, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Aglianico
Both are made from aglianico, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and broader and softer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and broader and softer.
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.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Full-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Full-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Port
Both are made from touriga nacional, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
Both are made from touriga nacional, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
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.
Uruguayan Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fruitier.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and leaner and more cutting.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Nebbiolo
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Barolo
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
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.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Nebbiolo
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Barolo
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Aglianico
Both are made from aglianico, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and broader and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
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.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Uruguayan Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
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.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Uruguayan Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
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.