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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 peppery and too perfumed.

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

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.

Tannat

curated

Malbec’s traditional blending partner in south-west France, and a step up in tannic intensity.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.

Merlot

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

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.

Cahors

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

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.

Montepulciano

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

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.

Bonarda

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

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.

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

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

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.

Merlot

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

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

Cahors

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

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

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 less tannic and softer.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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 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.

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.

Dolcetto

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.

Cinsault

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Schiava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grolleau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Toro

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

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

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 less tannic and softer.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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 herbal and green.

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

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

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

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grenache Blanc

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

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

Toro

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Glera

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

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

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

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.

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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

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

Uco Valley 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 less spicy, and earthier.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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 herbal and green.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Bobal

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

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

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 tannic and softer.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Uco Valley 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 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.

Frappato

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Similar but less floral

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Bobal

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

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

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.

Similar but more savoury

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

Cahors

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Xinomavro

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

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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Uco Valley 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 less spicy, and earthier.

Cahors

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

Uco Valley 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 less spicy, and earthier.

Cahors

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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 herbal and green.

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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 herbal and green.

Montepulciano

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

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

A step up

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

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

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.

Shiraz

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

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

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.