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Wines like Hawke’s Bay Syrah

Peppery, floral, medium-bodied Syrah made deliberately in the northern Rhône idiom — one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Hawke’s Bay Syrah

Refine

What do you like about Hawke’s Bay Syrah?

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…

The firm, grippy structure The floral character The spice The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too floral or soapy too peppery too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

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 floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
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 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.
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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too austere and too floral or soapy.

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.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Syrah

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Washington Syrah

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less 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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

Dalmatian Plavac Mali scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chilean Carmenère

Both sit in the same style family.

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.

Mavrud

Mavrud scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Etna Rosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but softer

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

Dalmatian Plavac Mali scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

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.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Rioja

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Rioja Reserva

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

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.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.

Washington Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Uco Valley Malbec

Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.

Similar but more savoury

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Naoussa Xinomavro

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Xinomavro

Xinomavro scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but fruitier

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Bolgheri

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

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.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Washington Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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 drier, and less floral.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Washington Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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 drier, and less floral.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

McLaren Vale Shiraz scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Shiraz

Shiraz scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Barossa Shiraz

Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.

Rioja

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Something more adventurous

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Washington Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less 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.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Washington Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

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 less floral.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.

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.