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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.
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 the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too green or grassy, too oaky or woody and too peppery.
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.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Merlot
curatedThey are the two halves of the Bordeaux blend and share dark fruit, a similar weight and a comparable response to oak.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Carignan
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 less spicy.
Merlot
curatedThey 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.
Cahors
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 less spicy.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Carignan
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 less spicy.
Cahors
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 less spicy.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Merlot
curatedThey 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Tannat
curatedIf 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Nerello Mascalese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Merlot
curatedThey 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
English sparkling rosé
English sparkling rosé scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Carignan
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 less spicy.
Cahors
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 less spicy.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
curatedCabernet 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.
Carignan
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 less spicy.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.
Cahors
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 less spicy.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Etna Rosso
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 savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
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 less spicy.
Carignan
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 less spicy.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chianti
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Merlot
curatedThey 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 more oaky, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Carignan
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 less spicy.
Cahors
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 less spicy.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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.
Carignan
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 less spicy.
Cahors
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 less spicy.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
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 more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.