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 moving away from too savoury or funky, too peppery and too austere.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
Merlot
curatedThe two were confused for a century, and share plush texture and plummy dark fruit.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A 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.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder 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 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 more savoury, and drier.
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 drier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from carmenère, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.