If you like this, try…

Wines like Jumilla Monastrell

Dense, savoury, affordable red from hot inland Murcia — among the best value in Spanish wine. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Jumilla Monastrell

Refine

What do you like about Jumilla Monastrell?

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…

How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

What these words mean

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.
The earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.

Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character and the full body and weight, while moving away from too heavy and too oaky or woody.

You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Languedoc red

curated

The same varieties in a comparable Mediterranean climate.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the full body and weight.
A little less heavy.
A little less oaky or woody.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less oaky or woody.

Dão

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Etna Rosso

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Chianti

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Areni

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less oaky or woody.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Languedoc red

curated

The same varieties in a comparable Mediterranean climate.

Expect: A touch lighter and more herbal.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.

Dão

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.

Dão

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

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.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.

Chianti

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

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

Dão

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Dão

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

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

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.

Etna Rosso

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Priorat

Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Toro

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

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 less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Grenache

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Similar but fresher

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

Areni

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

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

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.

Chianti

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

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

Dão

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

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

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Languedoc red

curated

The same varieties in a comparable Mediterranean climate.

Expect: A touch lighter and more herbal.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franciacorta

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Negra

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Dão

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja

Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Tempranillo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Pinotage

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

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

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

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Etna Rosso

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

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

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

California Rhône blend

Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

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.

Languedoc red

curated

The same varieties in a comparable Mediterranean climate.

Expect: A touch lighter and more herbal.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Grenache

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

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

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, both come from the same country.

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Washington Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Barossa Shiraz

curated

A comparably dense, warm-climate red for the same drinker.

Expect: Sweeter fruit, more oak and a much higher price.

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.

Chianti

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.

Dão

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher.

Dão

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

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

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.