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Wines like Washington Syrah

A distinctive American Syrah: savoury, smoky and often startlingly close to the northern Rhône in character. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Washington Syrah?

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.

I like…

The firm, grippy structure The spice The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too floral or soapy too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

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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.
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 floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
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 firm tannic structure and the earthy, savoury-mineral character, while moving away from too floral or soapy 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.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, 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.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
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 firm tannic structure.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah, 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.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

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, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Broad-leaved Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.

Red Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 more floral.

Red Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.

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 more floral.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Washington Syrah 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 syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Taurasi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Red Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.

Tempranillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less floral.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Sagrantino

Sagrantino scores closest to Washington Syrah 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 less floral, and broader and softer.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rioja

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tempranillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.

Barbaresco

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.

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.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Barolo

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Douro red

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Barbaresco

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Broad-leaved Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

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, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Rioja Gran Reserva

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Bolgheri

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

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.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

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.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Red Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

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.

Jumilla Monastrell

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Bekaa Valley Red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Priorat

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

How these are chosen

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.