Five Alternative Red Wines for Shiraz Lovers to Try

For some of us Aussies, Shiraz has always been our go-to wine. We love it for its full-bodied, rich, and spicy taste-which makes it an excellent choice for a BBQ with mates or a quiet night dinner at home. As we love Shiraz, sometimes we want to switch things up and explore new taste territories. That's why we've compiled a list of five alternative red wines that are sure to impress any Shiraz lover. From Grenache to Tempranillo, these wines are worth a try if you'd like to branch out and explore more of the world of wine. 

A suitable alternative to Shiraz, Grenache has a lighter body and is ideal for those who prefer a fruitier taste than the bold flavours of Shiraz. It is grown extensively in France (Grenache), Spain (Garnacha), and Australia, as it thrives in moderate to warm climates - notably in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. You may recognise it in the trio of GSM (Grenache, Shiraz and Mouvèdre) blend. So, why Grenache? With a similar weight and tannin structure to medium-bodied Shiraz, its flavours range from cherry, strawberry and raspberry (think wild red fruits) with spicier undertones from tobacco, anise, citrus rind to cinnamon. You can try it individually as a single variety or pick up a blend for something different. Check out our guide on what to pair with Grenache here.

If you are into big, bold Shiraz, this is your alternative. Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo in Italy) is a rich, full-bodied wine with flavours ranging from blackberry, black pepper, and blueberry to cherry, vanilla, and tobacco. Think big tannins, high alcohol and steak or BBQ. Generally known as "America's grape", it originates from Croatia and was likely brought to the USA in the early 1800's. It is a popular choice among wine enthusiasts because it pairs smashingly with a wide range of dishes, from grilled veg to spicy foods. Explore Zinfandel here. 

Syrah is one of the most significant alternative red wines to Shiraz, possibly because it is the same grape variety - the wines they make are traditionally in different styles. Syrah is what the rest of the world calls it. In Australia, it is made in a more French style as it is home to the northern Rhone Valley. It has all the characteristics of your Aussie Shiraz but is typically more floral, elegant and restrained. It is gaining popularity amongst wine lovers due to its old-world flavours of blueberry, black olives, graphite and white pepper. Some of our favourites in the country come out of Heathcote. Check out Syrah here. 

Malbec is a medium to full-bodied red wine known for its dark fruit flavours, smokiness and bold tannins, making it a budget-friendly alternative to higher-priced Shiraz. It's grown mainly in Argentina, where it expresses fruit; however, it originates from France, where it takes on a new persona. Think leather, tart currant, black plum and a savoury finish. Its lower tannin and lower acidity prove to be a smoother wine, similar to the finish of Shiraz. It can be a complex and satisfying alternative that you should look out for. Test out Malbec here. 

Finally, we have Tempranillo, a savoury wine primarily grown in Spain but also found in Portugal, Argentina, and Australia. It is the main grape variety in Rioja (which is often mistaken for Barossa Shiraz in blind tastings!). It is the perfect alternative for those who love fruit-forward and spice. It offers contrasting flavours of cherries, plums, tobacco, leather and dried fig. The wine's colour ranges from dark garnet to light ruby, as it is versatile to where it is grown and is known for its smooth, elegant finish. Give Tempranillo a whirl here. 

Trying out alternative red wines is an excellent way to expand your palate and savour new tastes. We've just introduced five of the best alternative red wines for Shiraz lovers. While these wines differ, they are all bold, flavorful, and perfect for red wine enthusiasts. So, go ahead, try them out, and find your new favourite red wine on your own or to impress friends!