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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.

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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 moving away from too oaky or woody and too heavy.

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.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.

Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.

Dão

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.

Dolcetto

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.

St Laurent

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.

Etna Rosso

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Dão

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Chianti

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

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

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.

Argentine Malbec

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.

Gamay

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

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

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy.

Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.

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.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Chianti

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

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Dão

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Marsanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

Dolcetto

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

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 less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cava

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat Bailey A

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

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

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Frühburgunder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Piedirosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both sit in the same style family.

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.

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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Gamay

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

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

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

Pinot Noir

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

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

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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

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

Palomino Fino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Gamay

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

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

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Rhône blend

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 spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Languedoc red

curated

The same varieties in a comparable Mediterranean climate.

Expect: A touch lighter and more herbal.

Southern Rhône blend

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

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

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 less spicy.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Gamay

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Dão

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

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

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.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Dão

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

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

A step up

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

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.

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.

Ribera del Duero

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Brunello di Montalcino

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.

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.