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Wines like Montsant
The DO encircling Priorat, producing similar old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena at far lower prices. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Montsant?
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 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.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something moving away from too austere, too plain or too simple 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.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 drier, and spicier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 drier, and spicier.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Barbera d’Asti
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Barbera
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 less oaky, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stiller.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Vin Doux Naturel
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
Corvinone
Corvinone scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 drier, and spicier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 drier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 drier, and spicier.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 drier, and spicier.
Rioja Crianza
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 drier, and less oaky.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 drier, and spicier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Ribera del Duero
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.