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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 moving away from too austere, too oaky or woody, 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.

Touriga Franca

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

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Sagrantino

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

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Touriga Nacional

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

Substantially less austere.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Muscat Bailey A

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

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
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.

Touriga Franca

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.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Touriga Franca

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.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grolleau

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

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

Portugieser

Portugieser 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grolleau

Grolleau 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.

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 less spicy.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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.

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.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera d’Alba

Both sit in the same style family.

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 drier, and less oaky.

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.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

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

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.

Barbera d’Alba

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Barbera d’Asti

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Barbera

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but softer

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

Toro

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

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Both are made from grenache.

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 more oaky.

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 spicier.

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.

Corpinnat

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montsant

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

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.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Toro

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

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

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Sémillon

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

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

Trebbiano Toscano

Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Gamay

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

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

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Naoussa Xinomavro

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 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.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Alentejo red

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

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

Dão

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

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

Carignan

Both are made from carignan.

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

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.

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 less oaky.

Dão

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Rioja Crianza

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

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

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 less spicy.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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 oaky.

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.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Merlot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Touriga Franca

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.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Touriga Franca

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.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 spicier, 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.

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.