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 peppery, spicy character, the earthy, savoury-mineral character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from 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.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Rioja
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 peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Rioja Reserva
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 peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from cinsault, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Blaufränkisch
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 spicier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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 less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Southern Rhône blend
curatedThe same GSM blending logic in a Mediterranean climate.
Expect: Riper and softer, with more red fruit.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
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.
California Pinot Noir
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.
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 more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and leaner and more cutting.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and leaner and more cutting.
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 less tannic and softer.
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 less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and riper and less green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.
Frühburgunder
Frühburgunder scores closest to Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 tannic and softer, and spicier.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
California 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 less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
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 riper and less green.
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.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Rioja
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
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 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 riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from cinsault, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Washington Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
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 spicier, and broader and softer.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
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 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.
Rioja
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mourvèdre
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from mourvèdre, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Priorat
Both are made from grenache, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
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 spicier.
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.