If you like this, try…
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 keeping the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too peppery.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 more floral, and less spicy.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Southern Rhône blend
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 less floral, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Etna Rosso
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
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 less spicy.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and earthier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Valpolicella Ripasso
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Vintage Port
Vintage Port scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
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.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
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 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 less spicy.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Rioja
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
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.
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.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and earthier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.
Grenache
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.
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 less spicy.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier.
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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
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 Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
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.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
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.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
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 less floral, and more herbal and green.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less spicy.
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.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more 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.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 less spicy.
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.