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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too peppery.
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.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less peppery.
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.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Cahors
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.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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.
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 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.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
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 less spicy, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fruit-driven.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
curatedA shared parent and a shared herbaceous, graphite-tinged character.
Expect: Lighter, higher in acid and more floral.
Oregon Pinot Noir
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 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 spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Chilean Carmenère
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 spicier, and fuller and richer.
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 Carmenère
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 spicier, and lighter.
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 fruit-driven, and less spicy.
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.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in 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 fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and riper and less green.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.
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.