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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.
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.
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 and too austere.
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.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
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 less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 less floral, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 less floral, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella 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 drier, and less floral.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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 less floral, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
Saperavi scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Etna Rosso
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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 less floral, and less spicy.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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 less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stiller.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
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.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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 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.
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 floral.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
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 floral, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel 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 drier, and less floral.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from syrah, and 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.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Montsant
Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.
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.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah.
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.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.