If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 keeping how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too austere, too oaky or woody and too floral or soapy.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Primitivo
curatedA similarly ripe, generous, dark-fruited red at consistently accessible prices.
Expect: Riper and jammier, with higher alcohol and softer acidity.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Tannat
curatedMalbec’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 drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Primitivo
curatedA similarly ripe, generous, dark-fruited red at consistently accessible prices.
Expect: Riper and jammier, with higher alcohol and softer acidity.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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 Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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 drier.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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 drier.
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 drier, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Syrah
curatedBoth are full-bodied, dark-fruited and generous in texture — the natural next step for a Malbec drinker.
Expect: More black pepper, olive and savoury meatiness, and firmer structure — especially from the northern Rhône.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
curatedA similarly ripe, generous, dark-fruited red at consistently accessible prices.
Expect: Riper and jammier, with higher alcohol and softer acidity.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from malbec.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
Primitivo
curatedA similarly ripe, generous, dark-fruited red at consistently accessible prices.
Expect: Riper and jammier, with higher alcohol and softer acidity.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Cabernet Sauvignon
curatedA comparable weight of wine with more structure and a longer ageing curve.
Expect: Firmer, more tannic and less immediately soft, with blackcurrant and cedar rather than violet and plum.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.