If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 earthy or musty, too peppery and too savoury or funky.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.
Montsant
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Toro
Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Montsant
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
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 softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
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.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
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.
Port
Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
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.
Bierzo Mencía
curatedFor a Rioja drinker who finds the oak dominant and wants freshness instead.
Expect: Much lighter and higher in acid, with graphite and floral red fruit.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
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 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.
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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montsant
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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 more savoury, and earthier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Montsant
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 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 fruitier, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Grenache
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Graciano
Both are made from graciano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Montsant
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
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 less spicy, and more savoury.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
curatedThe 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montsant
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Montsant
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
curatedThe 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Rioja across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
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.