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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.
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 floral or soapy, too oaky or woody and too drying or too tannic.
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.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
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 oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
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 oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
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 oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Chilean Pinot Noir
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 oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
St Laurent
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 oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Grenache
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.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
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 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.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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 more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Madiran
Madiran scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
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.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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 tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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 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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from malbec.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 more floral, and more tannic and structured.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from malbec.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more neutral and subtle.
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.