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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.

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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.

I like…

The rich dark fruit How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too tart or sour-fruited too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery

Clear all

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 keeping the full body and weight, while 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.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the full body and weight.
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.

Keeps the full body and weight.
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.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Douro red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the full body and weight.
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.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the full body and weight.
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.

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

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 lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

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 lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.

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.

Mourvèdre

Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Red Bordeaux

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Bekaa Valley Red

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

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 lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.

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 lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Barbera

Barbera scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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.

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.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

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 broader 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.

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.

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.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.

Barossa Shiraz

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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

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 both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

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 stiller, and earthier.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

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.

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 lighter, and sweeter.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Broad-leaved Melnik

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 fruitier, and more oaky.

Grenache

Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Barossa Shiraz

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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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 lighter, and sweeter.

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 less oaky, and earthier.

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 lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

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.

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 more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

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 lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

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 lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

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 lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

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 lighter in alcohol, and more floral.

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.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.

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.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

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.

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.

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 more fruit-driven.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.

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 lighter, and earthier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.

Super Tuscan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

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.

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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Rioja

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.

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.

Barossa Shiraz

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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Shiraz

Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.

Super Tuscan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.

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 lighter in alcohol, 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.

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.

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 lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

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 lighter in alcohol, and earthier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

How these are chosen

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.