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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 moving away from 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.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Washington Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Malbec

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Cahors

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

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

Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Washington Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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 earthier.

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)

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Red Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Cinsault

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

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

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.

Red Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Pinot Meunier

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

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

Gamay

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Nero d’Avola

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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 earthier.

Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah.

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

Mavrud

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

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

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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 earthier.

Etna Rosso

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 earthier.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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 earthier.

Red Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Similar but softer

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

Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Franciacorta

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.

Similar but sweeter

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Dornfelder

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

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

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.

Jaen

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

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

Dornfelder

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

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

Pinot Meunier

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

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

Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Super Tuscan

Both are made from syrah.

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

Rioja

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.

Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Pinot Grigio

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

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

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.

Malbec

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

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Similar but less floral

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

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

Syrah

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

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

Washington Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

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.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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 earthier.

Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

California Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Bolgheri

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

California Rhône blend

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

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.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

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

Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Washington Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

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

Washington Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and softer and rounder.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah.

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

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 less floral, and more herbal and green.

Shiraz

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

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.

Northern Rhône Syrah

curated

The model this style follows closely.

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

Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

Something more adventurous

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

Washington Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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 earthier.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

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.

Washington Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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 earthier.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah.

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

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.

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.