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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.

← 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 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.

Pinot Noir

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

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Morgon

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

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Cabernet Franc

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

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
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 drying or too tannic.

Argentine Malbec

Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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 drying or too tannic.

Primitivo

curated

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

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

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.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Morgon

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Morgon

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Gamay

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

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Gamay

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

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 more neutral and subtle, 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.

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.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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.

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.

Barbaresco

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Gamay

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

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

Morgon

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

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Condrieu

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.

Viognier

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.

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 more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

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

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

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English sparkling rosé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more sparkling.

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 spicy.

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Vin Doux Naturel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more oaky, and less spicy.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Gamay

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

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

Prokupac

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

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

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

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.

Barbaresco

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

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

Torrontés

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.

Similar but more restrained

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

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

Frappato

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

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

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

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 tannic and softer, and less floral.

Primitivo

curated

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

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

Agiorgitiko

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 savoury

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

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

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.

Red Burgundy

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

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

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

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from malbec.

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

Cahors

Both are made from malbec.

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

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 more neutral and subtle.

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 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.

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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.

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 spicy, and earthier.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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 spicy, and earthier.

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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.

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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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