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 savoury, non-fruity character and the herbal, green edge, while moving away from too green or grassy, too soft or too easy and too oaky or woody.
- 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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
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 riper and less green.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco 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.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Cornalin
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.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bolgheri
Bolgheri scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carmenère 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 riper and less green, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 riper and less green, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
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.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Chilean Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Chilean Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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.