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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 and the herbal, green edge, while moving away from too peppery, too soft or too easy and too green or grassy.

You said you like the herbal, green edge and that it is too green or grassy. Both are about herbal / green character, 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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Tannat

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Madiran

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
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.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

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 riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

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

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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 fruit-driven.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.

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 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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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 oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

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 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 less spicy.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

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

Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.

Similar but more restrained

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

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

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

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 fruit-driven.

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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 fruit-driven.

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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 fruit-driven.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

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

A step up

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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.