If you like this, try…
Wines like Southern Rhône blend
Grenache-led Mediterranean blends — warm, herbal and generous, and among the most reliable value in French wine. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Southern Rhône blend?
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
- 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 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.
- 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 austere, too plain or too simple 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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less 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.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Egri Bikavér
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Barbera
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
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 drier, and earthier.
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 drier, and earthier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
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 drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less 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.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Rioja Crianza
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rioja
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Rioja Reserva
Both are made from grenache, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less 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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Both are made from carignan, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from syrah.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Southern Rhône blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from grenache.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.