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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.

← Back to Carmenère

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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, while moving away from too savoury or funky.

You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.

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.
A little less savoury or funky.

California Rhône blend

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

California Pinot Noir

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Bolgheri

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

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.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.

Shiraz

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Argentine Malbec

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

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.

California Rhône blend

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

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

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

California Rhône blend

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

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

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

Shiraz

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

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

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.

Dolcetto

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

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

Trousseau

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

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Trousseau

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

California Chardonnay

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

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

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

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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.

Toro

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

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

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

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 more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.

Similar but fresher

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Corvina

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

English sparkling rosé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Vin Doux Naturel

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

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

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

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

Port

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

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

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.

Nero di Troia

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

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

Prokupac

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

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

Trousseau

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

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

Bobal

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Bolgheri

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

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

Shiraz

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Malbec

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

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

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

California Rhône blend

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.

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 more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Malbec

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and sweeter.

Cabernet Franc

curated

A 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.

Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

Northern Rhône Syrah scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 more restrained in fruit.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

California Rhône blend

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

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

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

Shiraz

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

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

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 more restrained in fruit, 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 savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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 Pinot Noir

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

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

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 more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.

Shiraz

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

California Rhône blend

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

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

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

California Rhône blend

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

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

Bolgheri

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

A step up

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.