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Wines like Cabernet Sauvignon

The world’s most planted red wine grape: thick-skinned, tannic and blackcurrant-scented, and the backbone of Bordeaux’s left bank. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Cabernet Sauvignon?

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 firm, grippy structure How aromatic it is

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too green or grassy too perfumed too peppery too austere

What these words mean

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.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
How aromatic it is: Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
The herbal, green side: Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Merlot

curated

They are the two halves of the Bordeaux blend and share dark fruit, a similar weight and a comparable response to oak.

Expect: Merlot is rounder and plumper, with softer tannin and more plum than blackcurrant.

Syrah

curated

Similar weight and structure, and both take well to oak and reward ageing.

Expect: Syrah brings black pepper, olive and cured-meat savouriness in place of Cabernet’s cassis and cedar.

Malbec

curated

Both are full-bodied, dark-fruited reds with real weight, and Malbec is a permitted Bordeaux variety.

Expect: Malbec is softer, more velvety and more floral, with less of the herbal edge.

Cabernet Franc

curated

Cabernet Franc is one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents and shares its leafy, graphite-tinged aromatics.

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid, more red-fruited and floral, with much softer tannin.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Merlot

curated

They are the two halves of the Bordeaux blend and share dark fruit, a similar weight and a comparable response to oak.

Expect: Merlot is rounder and plumper, with softer tannin and more plum than blackcurrant.

Syrah

curated

Similar weight and structure, and both take well to oak and reward ageing.

Expect: Syrah brings black pepper, olive and cured-meat savouriness in place of Cabernet’s cassis and cedar.

Malbec

curated

Both are full-bodied, dark-fruited reds with real weight, and Malbec is a permitted Bordeaux variety.

Expect: Malbec is softer, more velvety and more floral, with less of the herbal edge.

Tannat

curated

If the tannic grip is the part you enjoy, Tannat takes it further than almost any other variety.

Expect: Considerably more tannic and less aromatic. Best from Madiran or Uruguay, and best with fatty food.

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.

Cabernet Franc

curated

Cabernet Franc is one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents and shares its leafy, graphite-tinged aromatics.

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid, more red-fruited and floral, with much softer tannin.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Trousseau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Fer Servadou

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

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.

Cabernet Franc

curated

Cabernet Franc is one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents and shares its leafy, graphite-tinged aromatics.

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid, more red-fruited and floral, with much softer tannin.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Trousseau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

Bolgheri

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.

Similar but less tannic

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

Merlot

curated

They are the two halves of the Bordeaux blend and share dark fruit, a similar weight and a comparable response to oak.

Expect: Merlot is rounder and plumper, with softer tannin and more plum than blackcurrant.

Cabernet Franc

curated

Cabernet Franc is one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents and shares its leafy, graphite-tinged aromatics.

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid, more red-fruited and floral, with much softer tannin.

Southern Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.

Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tannat

curated

If the tannic grip is the part you enjoy, Tannat takes it further than almost any other variety.

Expect: Considerably more tannic and less aromatic. Best from Madiran or Uruguay, and best with fatty food.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.

Petit Verdot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Chianti

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.

Sangiovese

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Merlot

curated

They are the two halves of the Bordeaux blend and share dark fruit, a similar weight and a comparable response to oak.

Expect: Merlot is rounder and plumper, with softer tannin and more plum than blackcurrant.

Syrah

curated

Similar weight and structure, and both take well to oak and reward ageing.

Expect: Syrah brings black pepper, olive and cured-meat savouriness in place of Cabernet’s cassis and cedar.

Malbec

curated

Both are full-bodied, dark-fruited reds with real weight, and Malbec is a permitted Bordeaux variety.

Expect: Malbec is softer, more velvety and more floral, with less of the herbal edge.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less oaky.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and sweeter.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but sweeter

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

Nero di Troia

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.

Trincadeira

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

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

Cornalin

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Bolgheri

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

Cabernet Franc is one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents and shares its leafy, graphite-tinged aromatics.

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid, more red-fruited and floral, with much softer tannin.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Merlot

curated

They are the two halves of the Bordeaux blend and share dark fruit, a similar weight and a comparable response to oak.

Expect: Merlot is rounder and plumper, with softer tannin and more plum than blackcurrant.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Super Tuscan

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Similar but more floral

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

Malbec

curated

Both are full-bodied, dark-fruited reds with real weight, and Malbec is a permitted Bordeaux variety.

Expect: Malbec is softer, more velvety and more floral, with less of the herbal edge.

Cabernet Franc

curated

Cabernet Franc is one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents and shares its leafy, graphite-tinged aromatics.

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid, more red-fruited and floral, with much softer tannin.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Syrah

curated

Similar weight and structure, and both take well to oak and reward ageing.

Expect: Syrah brings black pepper, olive and cured-meat savouriness in place of Cabernet’s cassis and cedar.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Bolgheri

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.

Petite Sirah

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Chianti

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Bolgheri

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Merlot

curated

They are the two halves of the Bordeaux blend and share dark fruit, a similar weight and a comparable response to oak.

Expect: Merlot is rounder and plumper, with softer tannin and more plum than blackcurrant.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Syrah

curated

Similar weight and structure, and both take well to oak and reward ageing.

Expect: Syrah brings black pepper, olive and cured-meat savouriness in place of Cabernet’s cassis and cedar.

Something more adventurous

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

Tannat

curated

If the tannic grip is the part you enjoy, Tannat takes it further than almost any other variety.

Expect: Considerably more tannic and less aromatic. Best from Madiran or Uruguay, and best with fatty food.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Bolgheri

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.

A step up

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

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and earthier.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.

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.