If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too green or grassy 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.
Malbec
curatedBoth are full-bodied, dark-fruited reds with real weight, and Malbec is a permitted Bordeaux variety.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Tannat
curatedIf the tannic grip is the part you enjoy, Tannat takes it further than almost any other variety.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Syrah
curatedSimilar weight and structure, and both take well to oak and reward ageing.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- More peppery, not less.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- 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.
Malbec
curatedBoth 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.
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.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malbec
curatedBoth 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.
Morgon
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.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
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 more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 spicier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
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 more neutral and subtle.
Morgon
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 more neutral and subtle.
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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malbec
curatedBoth 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.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Malbec
curatedBoth 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.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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.
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 aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Malbec
curatedBoth 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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 spicier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 spicier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Malbec
curatedBoth 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.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Morgon
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.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Morgon
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.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Priorat
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
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 spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more neutral and subtle.
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.