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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

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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too peppery and 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.
Substantially less peppery.
A little 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.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less savoury or funky.

Sonoma 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 peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Toro

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

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

Coonawarra 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 peppery.
A little less savoury or funky.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Toro

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Toro

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

Dry 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.

Toro

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

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

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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 less spicy, 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.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

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.

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 spicier.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

English sparkling rosé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vin Doux Naturel

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Malbec

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

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

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

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

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

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

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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

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.

Malbec

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Gamay

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

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

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 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 less spicy.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

Xinomavro 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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Toro

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

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

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

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.

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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Toro

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Toro

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

A step up

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.