Wines Like Pinot Noir: Five Red Wines Worth Exploring
Love Pinot Noir but want to try something different? Start with Gamay, Grenache, cool-climate Shiraz, Shiraz–Pinot Noir blends and lighter styles of Tempranillo.
They aren't identical to Pinot Noir, and that's part of the appeal. Each offers something different, whether it's delicate red fruit, freshness, gentle tannins or a little more spice and structure.
If you enjoy Pinot Noir, the first question I'd ask is: what do you love most about it?
Is it the lighter body? The cherry and strawberry flavours? The silky texture? Or that savoury, earthy character some bottles develop?
Once you know what you're looking for, finding another red wine you'll enjoy becomes much easier.
What Makes Pinot Noir Different?
Pinot Noir is commonly associated with elegance, freshness and fine tannins.
Australian examples often come from cooler regions such as Tasmania, the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Adelaide Hills.
Depending on the region and winemaking, you might find:
- Cherry, raspberry and strawberry flavours.
- Light- to medium-bodied styles.
- Fine, gentle or sometimes firmer tannins.
- Fresh acidity.
- Floral, spicy or earthy notes.
Not every Pinot Noir tastes the same. A richer, ripe expression from one vineyard can feel very different from a delicate, savoury example grown somewhere cooler.
That's why I recommend looking for similar styles rather than expecting another grape to taste exactly like Pinot Noir.
Five Red Wines to Try If You Love Pinot Noir
| Variety or style | Why you might enjoy it | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| Gamay | Fresh red fruit, bright acidity and generally gentle tannins | Often especially lively and juicy |
| Grenache | Fragrant red fruit and approachable texture | Can be richer, spicier and more powerful |
| Cool-climate Shiraz / Syrah | Freshness, spice and savoury complexity | Usually darker-fruited and more structured |
| Shiraz–Pinot Noir blends | A combination of Pinot character and Shiraz depth | Style depends heavily on the blend |
| Lighter Tempranillo | Red fruit and savoury character | May have more noticeable tannins and weight |
These are starting points, not guarantees. The particular producer, region and vintage matter enormously.
1. Gamay — For Freshness and Delicate Red Fruit
If you enjoy the lighter, fresher side of Pinot Noir, Gamay is one of the first varieties worth exploring.
Gamay is best known for producing the red wines of Beaujolais in France, although Australian producers also make interesting examples.
Typical characteristics include lively red-berry flavours, freshness and relatively gentle tannins.
Like Pinot Noir, Gamay can be versatile at the dinner table. Lighter examples can work particularly well with roast chicken, charcuterie and mushroom dishes.
Try Gamay if: you enjoy fragrant, refreshing Pinot Noir and don't want a heavier red.
Gamay isn't currently part of the Wine Simple range, but it's a useful variety to know when exploring lighter reds.
2. Grenache — For Fragrant Fruit and a Generous Texture
Grenache is one of the most interesting alternatives for Australian Pinot Noir drinkers.
It's particularly important in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, where winemakers produce a wide range of styles.
Some Grenache is bright, fragrant and relatively light on its feet. Other examples are concentrated, spicy and powerful.
You might encounter flavours of raspberry, cherry, spice and dried herbs.
Grenache can offer the inviting fruit character that Pinot Noir drinkers enjoy, although it often feels broader and warmer in the mouth.
If you're exploring Grenache for the first time, look beyond the grape name and read the individual wine description.
Try Grenache if: you love Pinot Noir's red-fruit character but would enjoy something a little more generous.
Explore Wine Simple's Grenache collection.
3. Cool-Climate Shiraz — For Spice and Savoury Complexity
Shiraz might seem an unusual recommendation for someone who loves Pinot Noir.
After all, many Australian Shiraz wines are full-bodied, rich and powerful.
But Shiraz isn't always made that way.
In cooler regions, or through particular winemaking approaches, Syrah and Shiraz can offer greater freshness, peppery spice and a more restrained structure.
These styles can appeal to people who appreciate the savoury complexity of Pinot Noir but are ready to explore something with more depth.
The important distinction is texture. Shiraz generally has more body and tannin than Pinot Noir, so it isn't an exact substitute.
Try cool-climate Shiraz if: you enjoy Pinot Noir's savoury side and want to explore something more structured.
Explore Wine Simple's Shiraz collection.
4. Shiraz–Pinot Noir Blends — An Interesting Middle Ground
Blending Shiraz and Pinot Noir has an interesting history in Australian winemaking, particularly in the Hunter Valley.
The two varieties can contribute different qualities.
Pinot Noir can bring fragrance, red fruit and freshness, while Shiraz may contribute darker fruit, structure and spice.
The result depends on the proportions of each grape and how the wine is made.
Some blends are lighter and fragrant. Others are more substantial.
They can be an interesting option if you enjoy Pinot Noir but want to venture towards fuller red wine styles.
Try a Shiraz–Pinot Noir blend if: you enjoy Pinot's fragrance but are curious about a little more body.
5. Lighter Tempranillo — For Something More Savoury
Tempranillo is another variety worth knowing, although it's generally a more adventurous step away from Pinot Noir.
Best known for its role in Spanish wines, Tempranillo can produce styles ranging from fresh and fruit-driven to deeply structured and oak-aged.
Lighter examples may offer appealing red fruit, earthy notes and a savoury character.
But not every Tempranillo will suit someone seeking Pinot Noir's delicate texture.
Look for descriptions suggesting freshness and moderate body rather than assuming all Tempranillo is light.
Try Tempranillo if: you're interested in a more savoury, sometimes firmer red wine.
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Rather than starting with a grape variety, I'd begin with what you enjoy drinking.
If you love lightness and freshness: start with Gamay or a lighter Grenache.
If you love cherry and raspberry flavours: explore fragrant Grenache.
If you love savoury, earthy and spicy notes: consider a restrained Syrah or lighter Tempranillo.
If you want something between Pinot Noir and Shiraz: explore a Shiraz–Pinot Noir blend.
And if you simply love Pinot Noir, there's nothing wrong with exploring another region or producer. The variety offers remarkable diversity without needing to change grapes at all.
Food Pairings for Wines Like Pinot Noir
One reason Pinot Noir is popular is its versatility with food. Many of its alternatives can be equally useful, depending on their style.
| Wine | Food pairing ideas |
|---|---|
| Gamay | Roast chicken, charcuterie, mushroom tart |
| Grenache | Roast pork, grilled vegetables, Mediterranean dishes |
| Cool-climate Shiraz | Lamb, roast duck, mushroom dishes |
| Shiraz–Pinot Noir blend | Roast chicken, pork, barbecue dishes |
| Lighter Tempranillo | Tapas, grilled mushrooms, roast meats |
The way a dish is prepared matters. A light mushroom pasta and a rich, slow-cooked mushroom dish may call for different wines.
Find Your Next Red Wine at Wine Simple
At Wine Simple, I personally taste and select the wines we offer.
If you're looking to move beyond Pinot Noir, start by exploring our Grenache wines or Shiraz collection.
Or perhaps you'd like to discover another Pinot Noir from a different Australian region.
Shop Pinot Noir or browse all red wines.
If you're unsure where to begin, ask Matt for a recommendation. Tell me a Pinot Noir you've enjoyed, your budget and what you're looking for in your next bottle.
FAQ: Wines Like Pinot Noir
What red wine tastes most like Pinot Noir?
Gamay is often one of the closest alternatives in terms of lighter body, red-fruit flavours and fresh acidity. However, individual wine styles vary, and no other variety will taste exactly like Pinot Noir.
Is Grenache similar to Pinot Noir?
Grenache and Pinot Noir can both offer fragrant red-fruit flavours and approachable textures. Grenache is often richer, warmer and spicier, although lighter styles can appeal to Pinot Noir drinkers.
Is Shiraz heavier than Pinot Noir?
Generally, yes. Shiraz is commonly medium- to full-bodied and more structured, while Pinot Noir is typically lighter. Cool-climate Shiraz can offer a fresher, more restrained alternative to richer Australian styles.
What wine should I try if I like light red wines?
Gamay, Pinot Noir and lighter Grenache styles are useful starting points. Look for descriptions mentioning freshness, gentle tannins and light to medium body.
Which Australian wine regions are known for Pinot Noir?
Tasmania, the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Adelaide Hills are among Australia's important Pinot Noir regions. Climate, vineyard location and winemaking influence the style of each bottle.
