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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.
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 peppery, too oaky or woody 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.
Merlot
curatedThe two were confused for a century, and share plush texture and plummy dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- 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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- 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.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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 earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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 earthier.
Chianti
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.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Rondo
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.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
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 oaky.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
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 oaky, and less spicy.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA 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.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 oaky.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
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.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 oaky.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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 earthier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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 riper and less green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
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.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
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 less tannic and softer.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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 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 oaky, and less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
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 more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 oaky.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California 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 more oaky, and less spicy.
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 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 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 oaky, and less spicy.
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 oaky, and more herbal and green.
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 fresher and more acidic.
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.
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 oaky, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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 earthier.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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 earthier.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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 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.
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.