If you like this, try…
Wines like Prokupac
Serbia’s own red variety, revived from a blending grape into a serious varietal wine. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Prokupac?
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 bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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.
- 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 plain or too simple, too tart or sour-fruited 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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less peppery.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- 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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
País
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and spicier.
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 less oaky, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.
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.
Colorino
Colorino scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Corvinone
Corvinone scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
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 oaky, and less spicy.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Prokupac across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
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 less oaky, and less spicy.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
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 less oaky, and less spicy.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
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.