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Wines like Rioja

Spain’s most famous red: Tempranillo-led, defined as much by its oak-ageing classification as by the grape. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Rioja?

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 The vanilla and oak The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

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

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.
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 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.
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.
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 vanilla, toast and oak character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too austere, too earthy or musty and too drying or too tannic.

You said you like the firm tannic structure and that it is too drying or too tannic. Both are about tannin, 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.

Zinfandel

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

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Rioja Crianza

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

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Alentejo red

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

Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as drying or too tannic 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.

Zinfandel

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

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

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Muscat Bailey A

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

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

Egri Bikavér

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

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

Rondinella

Rondinella scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Muscat Bailey A

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

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

Dornfelder

Dornfelder scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Rondo

Rondo scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Zinfandel

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Primitivo

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

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

Rioja Crianza

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Sagrantino

Sagrantino scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Toro

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

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

Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Chianti Classico

curated

Both are savoury, medium-bodied, cherry-fruited food reds.

Expect: Much higher acidity and firmer tannin, with tomato leaf in place of vanilla.

Areni

Areni scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Barbera d’Alba

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Barbera d’Asti

Both sit in the same style family.

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.

Zinfandel

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Lambrusco

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

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

Tawny Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Tawny Port

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

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

Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

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

Vin Doux Naturel

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

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

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.

Zinfandel

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

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

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Crianza

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 oaky.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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.

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Malbec

Malbec scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Syrah

Syrah scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Zinfandel

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

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

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Malbec

Malbec scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

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 earthier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Taurasi

Taurasi scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

Northern Rhône Syrah scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Similar but fruitier

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

Zinfandel

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Zinfandel

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

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

Alentejo red

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

California Rhône blend

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Graciano

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

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

Rioja Crianza

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rioja Reserva

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 more tannic and structured.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

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

Ribera del Duero

curated

The same grape on a high, extreme plateau a short distance away.

Expect: Denser, darker and more structured, with black fruit rather than red.

Toro

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

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

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.

Zinfandel

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rioja Crianza

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Something more adventurous

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

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Alentejo red

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Alentejo red

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

A step up

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

curated

The same grape on a high, extreme plateau a short distance away.

Expect: Denser, darker and more structured, with black fruit rather than red.

Priorat

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from grenache.

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

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.