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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.

← Back to Cabernet Sauvignon

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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

Clear all

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.

Looking for something keeping how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too perfumed and too drying or too tannic.

You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that it is too perfumed. Both are about aromatic intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

Based on what you said

Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.

Merlot

curated

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Chianti

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Southern Rhône blend

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Grenache

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Rioja Crianza

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Nero d’Avola

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

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.

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.

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 softer and rounder, and less oaky.

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 less oaky.

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.

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 softer and rounder, and less oaky.

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 less oaky.

Rioja Crianza

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

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

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.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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 fresher.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Primitivo

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

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

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 tannic and structured, 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 tannic and structured, and more oaky.

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.

California 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.

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 softer and rounder, and less oaky.

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 less oaky.

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 both come from the same country.

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

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Petit Verdot

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.

Similar but fresher

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

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.

Areni

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Red Burgundy

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 earthier.

Similar but softer

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

California 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.

California Rhône blend

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

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

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

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and sweeter.

Crémant

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more sparkling.

Similar but sweeter

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

California 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.

Vin Doux Naturel

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

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.

Castelão

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

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

Ciliegiolo

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

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

Corvinone

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

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

Frühburgunder

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California 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 riper and less green.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

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

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 tannic and structured, and less 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 tannic and structured, and less oaky.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.

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.

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 less oaky.

Red Burgundy

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

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.

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.

California 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.

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 softer and rounder, and less oaky.

Similar but more floral

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

Bierzo Mencía

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Mencía

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

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.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

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

Red Burgundy

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

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

Areni

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

California 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.

Zinfandel

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

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

Primitivo

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

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

California Pinot Noir

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

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

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.

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.

California 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.

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 more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

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 tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.

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 more tannic and structured, 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 tannic and structured, and more savoury.

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 tannic and structured, and softer and rounder.

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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher and more acidic.

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 more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

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.

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.

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.

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 softer and rounder, and less oaky.

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 less oaky.

Something more adventurous

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

Nero d’Avola

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

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

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

Nero d’Avola

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

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

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

A step up

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

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.