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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 drying or too tannic, too perfumed and too peppery.

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.

Merlot

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Bonarda

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Montepulciano

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Négrette

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
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.

Merlot

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

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

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.

Montepulciano

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

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 more herbal and green.

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.

Montepulciano

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

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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Canaiolo

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.

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.

Merlot

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

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

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

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Pedro Ximénez

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Merlot

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Glera

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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.

Canaiolo

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

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

Castelão

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

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

Ciliegiolo

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

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

Corvinone

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 tannic and structured.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Négrette

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

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 more fruit-driven.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Négrette

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

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

Frappato

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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 oaky.

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti

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

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.

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 tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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 tannic and structured, and less spicy.

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 less spicy.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

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 tannic and structured, and less spicy.

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 less spicy.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

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 more herbal and green.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Négrette

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

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

Négrette

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

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

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Argentine Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.