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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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Refine

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.

I like…

The bright red fruit The firm, grippy structure How fresh and crisp it is The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too drying or too tannic too sharp or acidic too floral or soapy too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

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 keeping the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too savoury or funky.

You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about body, 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.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Morgon

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less savoury or funky.

Lagrein

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Washington Syrah

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Chianti Classico

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
A little less savoury or funky.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Morgon

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 tannic and softer.

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 more restrained in fruit, and less floral.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Morgon

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 tannic and softer.

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 more restrained in fruit, 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.

País

País scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Tibouren

Tibouren scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Cinsault

Cinsault scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Valpolicella

Valpolicella scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Washington Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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 tannic and softer.

Similar but less tannic

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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 tannic and softer.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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 tannic and softer.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Similar but softer

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

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Washington Syrah

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.

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 more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Naoussa Xinomavro across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher.

Franciacorta

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Saperavi

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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 tannic and softer.

Corvina

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

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

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.

Cornalin

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

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

Refosco

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

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

Bobal

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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 more restrained in fruit.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

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 more restrained in fruit.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barolo

curated

The 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 more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Franken Silvaner

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but less floral

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Morgon

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 tannic and softer.

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 more restrained in fruit, and less floral.

Lagrein

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

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

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.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.

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 fruitier

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

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Morgon

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 tannic and softer.

Lagrein

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

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Xinomavro

Both are made from xinomavro, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Xinomavro

Both are made from xinomavro, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Chianti Classico

curated

Shared high acidity and savoury tomato-leaf character.

Expect: Softer, fruitier and easier to drink young.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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 tannic and softer.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Something more adventurous

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

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Morgon

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 tannic and softer.

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 more restrained in fruit, 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.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

Morgon

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 tannic and softer.

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 more restrained in fruit, and less floral.

A step up

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

Barolo

curated

The comparison Xinomavro is always measured against, and structurally accurate.

Expect: Rose and tar in place of tomato and olive, at several times the price.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, and broader and softer.

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.