If you like this, try…
Wines like McLaren Vale Shiraz
Maritime-cooled South Australian Shiraz — a touch fresher and more red-fruited than the Barossa, with a salted-chocolate edge. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about McLaren Vale Shiraz?
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".
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- 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.
Looking for something moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
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.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and leaner and more cutting.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher and more acidic.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less spicy.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, 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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.
Tawny Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less spicy.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and leaner and more cutting.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa 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 more fruit-driven.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Tawny Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and earthier.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and earthier.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and leaner and more cutting.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and spicier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
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.