If you like this, try…

Wines like Priorat

Dense, mineral Garnacha and Cariñena from steep slate terraces in Catalonia — one of only two Spanish regions at the top classification tier. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Priorat?

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 How full and weighty it is The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too heavy too oaky or woody too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

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.
How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
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 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 earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
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.

Looking for something keeping the earthy, savoury-mineral character and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too earthy or musty and too drying or too tannic.

You said you like the earthy, savoury-mineral character and that it is too earthy or musty. Both are about earthy 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.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

curated

Both are concentrated old-vine Grenache expressions from hot Mediterranean sites.

Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Ribera del Duero

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

Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Syrah

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

Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Rioja

Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Languedoc red

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

Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

curated

Both are concentrated old-vine Grenache expressions from hot Mediterranean sites.

Expect: Softer and more herbal, less mineral and tarry.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Mavrud

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher and more acidic.

Fetească Neagră

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

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.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

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

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and leaner and more cutting.

Carignan

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

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Carignan

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

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher and more acidic.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

curated

Both are concentrated old-vine Grenache expressions from hot Mediterranean sites.

Expect: Softer and more herbal, less mineral and tarry.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

curated

Both are concentrated old-vine Grenache expressions from hot Mediterranean sites.

Expect: Softer and more herbal, less mineral and tarry.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 Priorat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Priorat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Priorat across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Cava

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but sweeter

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Pinotage

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and leaner and more cutting.

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.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and leaner and more cutting.

Languedoc red

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.

Carignan

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Rioja

Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rioja

Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more floral

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

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 lighter.

Washington Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more neutral and subtle.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Douro red

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

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 more savoury, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

curated

Both are concentrated old-vine Grenache expressions from hot Mediterranean sites.

Expect: Softer and more herbal, less mineral and tarry.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, 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 lighter, and more aromatic.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Languedoc red

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and lighter.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

curated

Both are concentrated old-vine Grenache expressions from hot Mediterranean sites.

Expect: Softer and more herbal, less mineral and tarry.

Syrah

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

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.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Syrah

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

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rioja

Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Languedoc red

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and lighter.

Mavrud

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Languedoc red

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and lighter.

Mavrud

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

A step up

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

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

curated

Both are concentrated old-vine Grenache expressions from hot Mediterranean sites.

Expect: Softer and more herbal, less mineral and tarry.

Northern Rhône Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Syrah

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

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

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.