Wine is an indulgence that is enjoyed by many people around the world. Wine lovers typically have a specific preference, but are also willing to try new, interesting types. This is especially true when the new wine offers a similar experience. Wines can have similar flavor profiles, similar acidity, or even similar pairing suggestions. Ready to explore?
In this article, I’ll share some similar wine types I think you’ll enjoy based on your current preference, but still has something fun and fascinating to peak your tastebuds.
6 Wines that You’ll Enjoy and Their Cousins (or Brother-in-Law, you decide!)
1. If You Love Pinot Grigio, You’ll Love Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio is made in Italy and consists of the Pinot grape, which is also used for making Chardonnay and Gamay. This wine has a moderate body, a light fruitiness, a refreshing acidity, and tropical flavors. Pinot Grigio has some similarities to Sauvignon Blanc from France. Sauvignon Blanc is also made with the Sauvignon Blanc grape, which has more herbaceous, green flavors than the crisp citrus flavors found in Pinot Grigio. Sauvignon Blanc is often associated with food, and pairings include Asian cuisine, lobster, seafood, and shellfish.
2. If you like Merlot, You’ll Love Bordeaux
Merlot is a soft, red wine that has distinctive fruitiness and luscious flavors. It’s made from the Merlot grape and is often served with grilled meats such as steak. Bordeaux is a classic style of blended red wine from France. Its wines have similar fruity tones to those found in Merlot but are generally more robust, fuller-bodied, and highly alcoholic. Some of the most famous Bordeaux wines include Chateau Latour, Cru Beaujolais, and La Tâche Grand Cru.
3. If You Love Cabernet Sauvignon, Try Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. It has a rich, spicy flavor with overtones of dark berry, spice, and tobacco. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot share some similarities in flavor profile. Both varietals are known for their rich, full-bodied taste and aroma. Cabernet Sauvignon has a bold taste with notes of blackberry, black currant, and oak. Merlot, on the other hand, has a softer, more approachable taste with notes of black cherry, plum, and chocolate.
4. If You Love Pinot Noir, You’ll Enjoy This Similar Wine Type
Pinot Noir is known for its light to medium body, delicate texture, and notes of red fruits such as cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. On the other hand, Riesling is known for its floral aroma, acidity, and fruit-forward taste, with notes of apple, pear, and citrus. Pinot Noir has a subtle acidity that provides freshness and balance to the wine, while Riesling is known for its high levels of acidity that give it its crisp, refreshing taste. This similarity in acidity makes Riesling a great wine to try for those who love the acidity of Pinot Noir.
5. If You Love Shiraz, You’ll Love Tempranillo
Shiraz and Tempranillo are a similar wine type in that they share a similar flavor profile. This makes them both appealing to red wine lovers. Shiraz has a bold, spicy taste, with notes of black pepper, dark fruit, and smokiness. Tempranillo, on the other hand, has a more subtle, earthy flavor profile, with notes of red fruit, vanilla, and leather. Shiraz and Tempranillo both pair well with a range of dishes, making them versatile wines to have on hand.
6. If You Enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, You’ll Love Syrah
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that is known for its bold and robust flavor profile. If you’re a fan of this wine, you might enjoy trying Syrah. Syrah is a full-bodied red wine that has a similar bold flavor profile to Cabernet Sauvignon. However, Syrah has a smokier and spicier taste with notes of black pepper and leather. This wine pairs well with grilled meats, spicy dishes, and rich stews.
Finding better wines for your palate is easier than you might think. By exploring different wines that are similar to the ones you already enjoy, you can expand your palate and discover new favorites. So, don’t be afraid to try something new and broaden your wine horizons. Who knows, you might find a new but similar wine type that you never would have tried otherwise!
