If you like this, try…
Wines like Naoussa Xinomavro
Pale, austere, ferociously tannic northern Greek red scented of dried tomato and olive — the closest thing to Barolo outside Piedmont. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Naoussa Xinomavro?
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 bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- 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.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- 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 moving away from too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Barolo
curatedThe comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Barolo
curatedThe comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Barolo
curatedThe comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
País
País scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Rioja
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 fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
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 fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
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 fruitier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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 Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Barolo
curatedThe comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barolo
curatedThe comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barolo
curatedThe comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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.
Barolo
curatedThe comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Rioja Crianza
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Nero d’Avola
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Montsant
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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.
Barolo
curatedThe comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barolo
curatedThe comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.
Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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.