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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.
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.
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 full body and weight, while moving away from too peppery and too drying or too tannic.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
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 peppery.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
California 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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
California 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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
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 spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
curatedA comparably dense, warm-climate red for the same drinker.
Expect: Sweeter fruit, more oak and a much higher price.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 tannic and structured.
Primitivo
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 spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
California 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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Toro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Bairrada Baga
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Pedro Ximénez
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
English sparkling rosé
English sparkling rosé scores closest to Jumilla Monastrell across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
California 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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California 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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Barossa Shiraz
curatedA comparably dense, warm-climate red for the same drinker.
Expect: Sweeter fruit, more oak and a much higher price.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Jumilla Monastrell across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
California 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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Jumilla Monastrell across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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 less spicy.
Taurasi
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 spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California 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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
curatedA comparably dense, warm-climate red for the same drinker.
Expect: Sweeter fruit, more oak and a much higher price.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Australian Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
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 less spicy.
California Rhône blend
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Rioja Crianza
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 spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
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 less spicy.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Barossa Shiraz
curatedA comparably dense, warm-climate red for the same drinker.
Expect: Sweeter fruit, more oak and a much higher price.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 tannic and structured.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
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 more tannic and structured.
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.
California 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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.
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.