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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.

← Back to Malbec

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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

Clear all

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 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.

Syrah

curated

Both are full-bodied, dark-fruited and generous in texture — the natural next step for a Malbec drinker.

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

A comparable weight of wine with more structure and a longer ageing curve.

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Primitivo

curated

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Agiorgitiko

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Alentejo red

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Tannat

curated

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Fetească Neagră

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.

Nemea Agiorgitiko

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

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.

Syrah

curated

Both 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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

A 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.

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Syrah

curated

Both 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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

A 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.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trousseau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colorino

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 less tannic and softer.

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.

Trousseau

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 less tannic and softer.

Mondeuse Noire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Nemea Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Rioja Crianza

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

Mavrud

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 floral, and less tannic and softer.

Pedro Ximénez

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

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

Grenache Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less floral, and sweeter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and stiller.

Franciacorta

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.

Similar but sweeter

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

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

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.

Syrah

curated

Both 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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

A 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.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Muscat Bailey A

Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but more restrained

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

Fetească Neagră

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Syrah

curated

Both 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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

A 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.

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more herbal and green.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

A 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.

Syrah

curated

Both 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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Agiorgitiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but more savoury

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

Mourvèdre

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Argentine Malbec

Both are made from malbec, and both come from the same country.

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from malbec.

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

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.

Syrah

curated

Both 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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

A 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.

Rioja Crianza

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Merlot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Something more adventurous

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

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.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Fetească Neagră

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Fetească Neagră

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

Nemea Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.

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 less floral, and earthier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.