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.

← Back to Malbec

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.

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 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.

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.

Muscat Bailey A

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.

Syrah

curated

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

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 floral or soapy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano

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 floral or soapy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montsant

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 floral or soapy.
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.

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 floral, and less spicy.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat Bailey A

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

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

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 more floral, and less spicy.

Grolleau

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

Similar but less tannic

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

Muscat Bailey A

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

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

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.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

Madiran

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 more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

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

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

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

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.

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

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

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 less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

English sparkling rosé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Muscat Bailey A

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

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

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.

Tinto Cão

Tinto Cão scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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 floral, and less spicy.

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.

Barossa Shiraz

Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

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 neutral and subtle.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 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 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.

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less 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.

Montsant

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.

Barbaresco

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

Barolo 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 more neutral and subtle.

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 spicy.

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

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.

Carignan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

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 more neutral and subtle, and more floral.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

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 neutral and subtle, and more floral.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

Uco Valley Malbec

Both are made from malbec, and 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 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 neutral and subtle, and more floral.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from malbec.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.

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.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

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

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

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.