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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

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 keeping how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too perfumed and too peppery.

You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that it is too perfumed. Both are about aromatic intensity, 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.

Tannat

curated

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Merlot

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Bonarda

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Montepulciano

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Alicante Bouschet

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less perfumed.
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.

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.

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

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.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Merlot

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

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

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Toro

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Merlot

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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

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

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

Madiran

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less floral.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grenache Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicier, and less floral.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

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

Refosco

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

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

Castelão

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 spicy, and less floral.

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 less floral.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 floral.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Merlot

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

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

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.

Bonarda

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Négrette

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

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

Frappato

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

Merlot

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

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

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.

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy, and less floral.

Carignan

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Cahors

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

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 floral, and less spicy.

Argentine 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 floral, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Cahors

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

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 spicier, and less floral.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.