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Wines like Malbec

A dark, velvety variety that struggled in its French homeland and became Argentina’s national grape. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Malbec?

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 firm, grippy structure How aromatic it is

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too floral or soapy too perfumed too peppery too austere

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What these words mean

The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
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.
How aromatic it is: Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
The floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
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.
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 perfumed, too drying or too tannic, too peppery and too oaky or woody.

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.

Bonarda

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

Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano

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

Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Bierzo Mencía

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

Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Mencía

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

Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Bonarda

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Bonarda

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

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.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

País

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

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

Valpolicella

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Argentine Malbec

Both are made from malbec, 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 spicier.

Primitivo

curated

A similarly ripe, generous, dark-fruited red at consistently accessible prices.

Expect: Riper and jammier, with higher alcohol and softer acidity.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Similar but less tannic

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

Bonarda

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tannat

curated

Malbec’s traditional blending partner in south-west France, and a step up in tannic intensity.

Expect: Much more tannic and less fruit-forward. Needs food.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Madiran

Madiran scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

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 more herbal and green.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Chianti

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

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Grenache Blanc

Grenache Blanc scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Bonarda

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Barossa Shiraz

Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more tannic and structured.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Bonarda

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

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Négrette

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

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

Frappato

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Bonarda

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

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

Chianti

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

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Chianti

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

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

Cahors

Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Areni

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher and more acidic.

Carignan

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo

curated

A similarly ripe, generous, dark-fruited red at consistently accessible prices.

Expect: Riper and jammier, with higher alcohol and softer acidity.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

Both are made from malbec, 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 spicier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Cahors

Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Cahors

Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Argentine Malbec

Both are made from malbec, 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 spicier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Argentine Malbec

Both are made from malbec, 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 spicier.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Cahors

Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Chianti

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

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Bonarda

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Bierzo Mencía

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

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.

Bonarda

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Bierzo Mencía

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

A step up

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

Argentine Malbec

Both are made from malbec, 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 spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.

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.