If you like this, try…
Wines like Sparkling Shiraz
An Australian speciality: dark, fizzy, off-dry red — traditionally drunk with Christmas dinner in a southern-hemisphere summer. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Sparkling Shiraz?
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 rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- 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.
- The bubbles
- Carbonation, from a light prickle to a full sparkling mousse.
- 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 touch of sweetness
- Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.
Looking for something moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting and too soft or too easy.
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.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
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.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stiller.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.
The still version
Moves from sparkling to still while keeping the grape and flavour family intact.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Ruby Port
Ruby Port scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
Late Bottled Vintage Port scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
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.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
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.