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.
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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.
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 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.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
Tannat
curatedMalbec’s traditional blending partner in south-west France, and a step up in tannic intensity.
- Substantially less peppery.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- 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.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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 neutral and subtle.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
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 spicier, 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.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 neutral and subtle.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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 spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher and more acidic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher and more acidic.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.
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 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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 less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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 neutral and subtle.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
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 spicier, and fuller and richer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.
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.