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 keeping the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too sweet.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sweet.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sweet.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sweet.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sweet.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sweet.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sweet.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sweet.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, 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.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, 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.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
McLaren Vale 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 drier, and more savoury.
Barossa 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 drier, and more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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 drier, and more savoury.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more tannic and structured.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
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 drier, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale 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 drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fuller and richer.
McLaren Vale 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 drier, and more savoury.
Barossa 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 drier, and more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
The still version
Moves from sparkling to still while keeping the grape and flavour family intact.
Australian Grenache
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 drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Barossa 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 drier, and more savoury.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Ruby Port
Ruby Port scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stiller.
Port
Port scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
Late Bottled Vintage Port scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
Vin Doux Naturel
Vin Doux Naturel scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa 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 drier, and more savoury.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 drier, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more aromatic.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more aromatic.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Australian Grenache
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 drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Sparkling Shiraz across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
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 more savoury, and drier.
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.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 drier, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale 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 drier, and more savoury.
Barossa 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 drier, and more savoury.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
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 drier, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.
McLaren Vale 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 drier, and more savoury.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.
McLaren Vale 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 drier, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 drier, and more savoury.
Barossa 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 drier, and more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.