If you like this, try…
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.
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 savoury, non-fruity character and the peppery, spicy character, 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.
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.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- 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.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
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.
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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 fuller and richer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and broader and softer.
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 more oaky.
Uruguayan Tannat
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 less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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 less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 savoury, and less floral.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
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 savoury, and broader and softer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
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 spicier, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 oaky, and less floral.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
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 restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more aromatic, and broader and softer.
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 aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.
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 more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
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 restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
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 spicier, and less floral.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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 savoury, and less floral.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
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 spicier, and less floral.
Super Tuscan
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 fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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 spicier, and softer and rounder.
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 spicier, and more herbal and green.
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 fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
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 softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 fruitier, 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 fresher and more acidic, 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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
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 fuller and richer.
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 more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.
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 savoury, and less floral.
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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
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.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
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 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 tannic and structured.
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 fuller and richer.
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 spicier, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.