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Wines like Rioja Crianza

The entry tier of aged Rioja: a minimum of two years’ ageing with at least one in barrel, and the region’s everyday benchmark. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Rioja Crianza

Refine

What do you like about Rioja Crianza?

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…

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too soft or too easy too heavy too oaky or woody too peppery too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

The rich dark fruit: Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
How smooth and soft it is: Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
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.
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 oaky or woody, too heavy, too soft or too easy 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.

Tinto Cão

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less austere.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less austere.

Dolcetto

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Dão

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less austere.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less austere.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less austere.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Dão

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Toro

Both are made from tempranillo, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Priorat

Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but less tannic

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

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

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 drier, and less tannic and softer.

Etna Rosso

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Languedoc red

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Toro

Both are made from tempranillo, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both sit in the same style family.

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

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

English sparkling rosé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja Reserva

curated

The next tier up in the same hierarchy.

Expect: More tertiary leather and tobacco, less primary fruit.

Pinotage

Pinotage scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.

Rioja

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

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

Tempranillo

Both are made from tempranillo, and both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more restrained

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Dão

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Dão

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

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.

Dão

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

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

Languedoc red

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Dão

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

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

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Toro

Both are made from tempranillo, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from grenache.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Something more adventurous

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Dão

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

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

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.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Dão

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

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

A step up

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

Priorat

Both are made from grenache, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Rioja Crianza across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from grenache.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

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.