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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

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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 the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too drying or too tannic, too floral or soapy and too oaky or woody.

You said you like the firm tannic structure and that it is too drying or too tannic. Both are about tannin, 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.

Bonarda

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Morgon

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Grenache

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less oaky or woody.

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

St Laurent

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little 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.

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.

Montepulciano

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

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

Morgon

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

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.

Montepulciano

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

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

Morgon

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

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

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.

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trousseau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 tannic and structured, and spicier.

Primitivo

curated

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 oaky.

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 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.

Montepulciano

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

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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 more oaky.

Madiran

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Chianti

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

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

Areni

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

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

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 floral.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

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 oaky, and less floral.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Ruby Port

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

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

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.

Montepulciano

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

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

Morgon

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

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

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 less floral.

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 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 tannic and structured, and more floral.

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

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

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.

Montepulciano

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

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

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 less oaky.

Barbaresco

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

Barolo 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.

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.

Montepulciano

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

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

Morgon

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

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

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

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

Areni

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

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

Australian Pinot Noir

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

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

Carignan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 oaky.

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 floral.

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from malbec.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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

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

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

Chianti

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

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

Merlot

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

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

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 floral, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

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

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

Morgon

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

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

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 floral, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

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

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

Morgon

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

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

Chilean Pinot Noir

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

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

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 spicier.

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 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 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 oaky.

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.