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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.

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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.

I like…

The herbal, green side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too soft or too easy too oaky or woody too green or grassy too peppery too savoury or funky too austere

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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 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.

Merlot

curated

The two were confused for a century, and share plush texture and plummy dark fruit.

Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Montsant

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

Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less peppery.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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.

Merlot

curated

The two were confused for a century, and share plush texture and plummy dark fruit.

Expect: Less herbal and savoury, with softer, rounder fruit.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Merlot

curated

The two were confused for a century, and share plush texture and plummy dark fruit.

Expect: Less herbal and savoury, with softer, rounder fruit.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montsant

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

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

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.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

A shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

Dolcetto

Dolcetto scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

País

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but lower in alcohol

Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Grolleau

Grolleau scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Cru Beaujolais

Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Toro

Toro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alicante Bouschet

Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

White Bordeaux

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Marsanne

Marsanne scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Marsanne

Marsanne scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Merlot

curated

The two were confused for a century, and share plush texture and plummy dark fruit.

Expect: Less herbal and savoury, with softer, rounder fruit.

Toro

Toro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Franciacorta

Franciacorta scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Touriga Franca

Touriga Franca scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

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.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Bobal

Bobal scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Castelão

Castelão scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Super Tuscan

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

A shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

Morgon

Morgon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Merlot

curated

The two were confused for a century, and share plush texture and plummy dark fruit.

Expect: Less herbal and savoury, with softer, rounder fruit.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Xinomavro

Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Barbera d’Alba

Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Toro

Toro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

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 more herbal and green, and spicier.

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

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

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 more herbal and green, and spicier.

Change the mood

Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.

A safe next step

Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.

Merlot

curated

The two were confused for a century, and share plush texture and plummy dark fruit.

Expect: Less herbal and savoury, with softer, rounder fruit.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montsant

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

A step up

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

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Priorat

Priorat scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 spicier, and more herbal and green.

How these are chosen

Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.