If you like this, try…
Wines like Carmenère
A Bordeaux variety that nearly vanished in France and was rediscovered in Chile, where it had been mistaken for Merlot for a century. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Carmenère?
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
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- 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.
- 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.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
- 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 herbal, green edge and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere, too peppery, too green or grassy and too soft or too easy.
- You said you like the herbal, green edge and that it is too green or grassy. Both are about herbal / green character, 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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from carmenère, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
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
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Fer Servadou
Fer Servadou scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Merlot
curatedThe two were confused for a century, and share plush texture and plummy dark fruit.
Expect: Less herbal and savoury, with softer, rounder fruit.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bolgheri
Bolgheri scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
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 drier, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid 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.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 drier, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
Bolgheri scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from carmenère, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.