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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 savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere, too earthy or musty and 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.

Tinta Negra

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Sagrantino

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Chianti Classico

curated

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grolleau

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

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

Portugieser

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

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

Rondinella

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

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

Grolleau

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

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

Portugieser

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

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

Dornfelder

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.

Similar but less tannic

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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.

Grolleau

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Sagrantino

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both sit in the same style family.

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

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Corpinnat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 spicier.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Muscat Bailey A

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

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

Malbec

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicy.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Xinomavro

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

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

Taurasi

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Dão

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

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

Carignan

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

Grenache

Both are made from grenache.

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

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 drier, and more fruit-driven.

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 spicy.

Montsant

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

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

Carignan

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

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

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 drier, and fruitier.

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.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Barossa Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

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.

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 spicier.

Chianti

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from grenache.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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.