If you like this, try…
Wines like Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Low-intervention Syrah and GSM blends from old dry-farmed Swartland vines — the centre of South Africa’s new-wave movement. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends?
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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Looking for something keeping the earthy, savoury-mineral character and the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too green or grassy and too peppery.
- You said you like the peppery, spicy character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, 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.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Southern Rhône blend
curatedThe same GSM blending logic in a Mediterranean climate.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- 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.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher and more acidic.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Australian Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Southern Rhône blend
curatedThe same GSM blending logic in a Mediterranean climate.
Expect: Riper and softer, with more red fruit.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and leaner and more cutting.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and leaner and more cutting.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Southern Rhône blend
curatedThe same GSM blending logic in a Mediterranean climate.
Expect: Riper and softer, with more red fruit.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Vin Doux Naturel
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Frühburgunder
Frühburgunder scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Piedirosso
Piedirosso scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cornalin
Cornalin scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Rioja
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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Reserva
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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Chianti Classico Riserva
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 fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
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.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Rioja
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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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
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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Reserva
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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
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.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
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.