If you like this, try…
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 and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
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.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 more savoury, and more oaky.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Rioja Crianza
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Southern 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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Southern 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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Corpinnat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier, 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.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja
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 more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Rioja 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 more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
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 more savoury, and more aromatic.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
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 more savoury, and more oaky.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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 Rhône blend
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Southern 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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Carignan
Both are made from carignan, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Australian Grenache
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 more fruit-driven, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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 more tannic and structured, and softer and rounder.
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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 more savoury, and more oaky.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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 come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Montsant across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.