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.

← Back to Rioja

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.

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 firm tannic structure and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too oaky or woody and too earthy or musty.

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.

Chianti Classico

curated

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.

Montsant

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Dão

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Carignan

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.

Valais Cornalin

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

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.

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 oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Dão

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 less oaky, and earthier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

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.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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.

Dolcetto

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

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

Dão

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 less oaky, and earthier.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Colorino

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

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

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.

Dolcetto

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

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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 less tannic

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

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 less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Chilean Carmenère

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

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

Carmenère

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bairrada Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.

Similar but softer

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

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

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Corpinnat

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Port

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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.

Dão

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 less oaky, and earthier.

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 oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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 more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, 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.

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 oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

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.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

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

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 more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Dão

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 less oaky, and earthier.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Dão

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 less oaky, and earthier.

Carignan

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

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 more fruit-driven.

Dão

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 less oaky, and earthier.

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 oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Carignan

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 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.

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

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.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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 oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Dão

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 less oaky, and earthier.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

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

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Dão

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 less oaky, and earthier.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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 tannic and structured.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fruitier.

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.