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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.
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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 drying or too tannic, too austere, too jammy or sweet-tasting and too green or grassy.
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less austere.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less austere.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
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 riper and less green.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
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 fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Cava
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
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 fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.
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 Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 riper and less green.
Rioja
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 tannic and structured.
Rioja 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 tannic and structured.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Morgon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
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 riper and less green.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier.
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 more savoury.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Carignan
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 riper and less green.
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.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Ribera del Duero
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.
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 fruitier.
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.