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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 moving away from too floral or soapy, too drying or too tannic, too peppery, too austere 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.

Tinta Barroca

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less austere.
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.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grolleau

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.

Similar but less tannic

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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 tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Bonarda

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Sagrantino

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

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

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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Toro

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 tannic and softer.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

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

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.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 tannic and softer.

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 less spicy.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Tinta Negra

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

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 less spicy.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 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.

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 tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Négrette

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Frappato

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

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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.

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Carignan

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

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

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 drier.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.

Barbera d’Alba

Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from malbec.

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

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 tannic and structured.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from malbec.

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

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.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 spicier, and drier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

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

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

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.