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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

Clear all

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 savoury or funky, too soft or too easy, too oaky or woody, too peppery and too green or grassy.

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.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Montsant

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

A little less savoury or funky.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially 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.

A little less savoury or funky.
A little less soft or too easy.
A little 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.

A little less savoury or funky.
About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less savoury or funky.
A little less soft or too easy.
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.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

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.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montsant

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

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.

Cabernet Franc

curated

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

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colorino

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

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 less oaky.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 oaky.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

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.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 oaky.

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.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Tannat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

A 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.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.

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.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

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 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 savoury.

Tinto Cão

Tinto Cão scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Touriga Franca

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

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

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 less oaky, and riper and less green.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Graciano

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Bolgheri

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

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

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

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malbec

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 restrained

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

Bobal

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 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.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bierzo Mencía

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Graciano

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

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

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 Riserva

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

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

Taurasi

Taurasi 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 oaky.

Chilean Carmenère

Both are made from carmenère, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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 oaky.

Chilean Carmenère

Both are made from carmenère, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.

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 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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

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.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montsant

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

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montsant

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

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.