Guide

Wines Like Tempranillo — Similar Styles Ranked

These options share enough structural and flavour characteristics with tempranillo to serve as useful alternatives or starting points. The ranking is based on profile similarity from the WhatDrink database.

10 styles ranked by structured-profile similarity to Tempranillo, using the WhatDrink style database.

Rioja Blend
Ranks as a close match based on similar sweetness, similar strength, same style sub-group to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: MediumSweetness: MediumAcidity: mediumTannin: MediumColour: Red
A blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano grapes, typically from the Rioja region in Spain. It is a medium-bodied wine with flavors of cherry, plum, vanilla, and spice.
Tempranillo Blend
Ranks as a close match based on similar sweetness, similar strength, same style sub-group to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: MediumSweetness: MediumAcidity: mediumTannin: MediumColour: Red
A blend of Tempranillo grape with other grape varieties, typically from Spain. It is a medium-bodied wine with flavors of cherry, plum, and vanilla.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Ranks as a close match based on similar acidity, similar strength, overlapping flavours to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: FullSweetness: DryAcidity: medium-lowTannin: HighColour: Red
A full-bodied red wine with firm tannins and high acidity. It has flavors of black currant, black cherry, and cedar.
Zinfandel
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar acidity, similar strength to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: Medium-FullSweetness: Off-DryAcidity: medium-lowTannin: MediumColour: Red
A medium- to full-bodied red wine with high alcohol content and flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and spice.
Merlot
Ranks as a close match based on similar acidity, similar strength to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: MediumSweetness: SweetAcidity: medium-lowTannin: MediumColour: Red
A medium-bodied red wine with soft tannins and high acidity. It has flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate.
Malbec
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar tannin, similar strength to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: Medium-FullSweetness: DryAcidity: mediumTannin: Medium-HighColour: Red
A full-bodied red wine with high tannins and flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate.
Blaufrankisch
Ranks as a close match based on similar strength to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: MediumSweetness: DryAcidity: mediumTannin: MediumColour: Red
Blaufrankisch is a classic red wine with balanced fruit, acidity, and tannins, suitable for a wide range of meals.
Bordeaux Blend
Ranks as a close match based on similar strength to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: MediumSweetness: DryAcidity: mediumTannin: MediumColour: Red
A red wine blend made from the traditional grape varieties of the Bordeaux region in France, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec.
Meritage
Ranks as a close match based on similar strength to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: MediumSweetness: DryAcidity: mediumTannin: MediumColour: Red
A blend of Bordeaux grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It is a full-bodied wine with flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and cedar. Produced mainly in North America.
Nebbiolo
Ranks as a close match based on similar strength to Tempranillo.
12–14.5% ABVBody: FullSweetness: DryAcidity: mediumTannin: HighColour: Red
A full-bodied red wine with high tannins and flavors of red fruit, roses, and tar.

Methodology

Frequently asked questions

What is tempranillo?: Tempranillo is a wine style with a specific flavor profile and production character. If you already enjoy tempranillo, the alternatives on this page share key sensory attributes from WhatDrink data.
What does tempranillo taste like?: Tempranillo has a recognisable flavor defined by its ingredients and production method. The sensory profile on the page shows its dimensions relative to similar styles.
Why would I want an alternative to tempranillo?: Common reasons include regional availability, wanting to explore the broader style category, preference for slightly different flavor balance, or price point. The alternatives here share enough attributes to appeal to fans of tempranillo.
How similar are these styles to tempranillo?: Similarity is scored on shared sensory attributes — body, sweetness, bitterness, acidity — from WhatDrink style data. Styles at the top share the most overlap. Individual taste will affect how similar they feel in practice.
How many alternatives are on this page?: The count is shown above. All are drawn from WhatDrink's style database.
What foods pair well with styles like tempranillo?: Food pairings for each alternative are listed on their individual style pages. Styles similar to tempranillo tend to suit similar food pairings, though there will be variation.
Are these styles easy to find?: Availability varies by region and retailer. The style names on this page are the standard industry terms — use them to search your local bottle shop, bar, or online retailer.