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 firm tannic structure and the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too peppery.
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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less peppery.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- 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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less floral, and earthier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Australian Grenache
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 less spicy.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
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 tannic and softer, and less floral.
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 tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Etna Rosso
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less 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.
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 tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Port
Port scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Australian Grenache
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 less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 tannic and structured.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
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 less floral, and more aromatic.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less spicy, and more floral.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 less floral, and earthier.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
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 less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
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.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less floral, and earthier.
Australian Grenache
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 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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe model this style follows closely.
Expect: More savoury and mineral, with a longer track record.
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 less floral, and earthier.
Australian Grenache
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 less spicy.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe 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 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less floral, and earthier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less floral, and earthier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
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.
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.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
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.