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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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character and the herbal, green edge, while moving away from too oaky or woody, too peppery and too green or grassy.

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 oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Merlot

curated

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Chianti

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 oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

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 oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Bierzo Mencía

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 oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Cabernet Franc

curated

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Keeps the herbal, green edge.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.

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.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

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 spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Montsant

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

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

Bierzo Mencía

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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

curated

A 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 spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Tibouren

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Cabernet Franc

curated

A 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 spicy, and more fruit-driven.

English still Pinot Noir

English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 more oaky.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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 riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.

Soave Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franken Silvaner

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more fruit-driven.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

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 more fruit-driven, and more oaky.

Similar but fresher

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

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

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Bierzo Mencía

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Grenache

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

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

Chilean Carmenère

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 more oaky, and more herbal and green.

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 more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

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

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 spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Montsant

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

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

Bierzo Mencía

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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 more fruit-driven.

Super Tuscan

Super Tuscan scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Bolgheri

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 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.

Cabernet Franc

curated

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

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.

Gamay

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

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more floral

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

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

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

Bierzo Mencía

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.

Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

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.

Toro

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

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

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 fruitier.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

California Pinot Noir

California Pinot Noir scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 more fruit-driven, and more oaky.

Chilean Carmenère

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 more oaky, and more herbal and green.

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 Carmenère

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 more oaky, and more herbal and green.

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 more fruit-driven, 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.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

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 more fruit-driven, and more oaky.

Cabernet Franc

curated

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

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

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.

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 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 more fruit-driven.

Bierzo Mencía

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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 more fruit-driven.

Bierzo Mencía

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

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 more oaky.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

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 spicier.

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.