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 keeping the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too oaky or woody and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
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.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
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.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 spicier, and fresher.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
País
País scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Priorat
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Refosco
Refosco scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
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 spicier, and fresher.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
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 spicier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to McLaren Vale Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 spicier, and fresher.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Priorat
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 more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 spicier, and fresher.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
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 oaky, and fresher.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.
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 oaky, and fresher.
Priorat
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
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.
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.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 spicier, and fresher.
Languedoc red
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.
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 oaky, and fresher.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fresher, and more oaky.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Bekaa Valley Red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
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.
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 spicier.
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Priorat
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 more tannic and structured, 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.
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 spicier, and fresher.
Priorat
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Chilean 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 more oaky, and fresher.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and fresher.
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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and fresher.
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.
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 spicier, and fresher.
Priorat
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
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.