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.
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.
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 peppery, too oaky or woody and too perfumed.
- You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that it is too perfumed. Both are about aromatic intensity, 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.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and 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 peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 more oaky, 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 oaky, and spicier.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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 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.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Etna Rosso
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 oaky, and less spicy.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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 oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
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.
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.
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.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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 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 oaky.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
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 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.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Dolcetto
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.
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.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Etna Rosso
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.
Primitivo
curatedA similarly ripe, generous, dark-fruited red at consistently accessible prices.
Expect: Riper and jammier, with higher alcohol and softer acidity.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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.
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.
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 more oaky, 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 oaky, and spicier.
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 oaky, and spicier.
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 oaky, and spicier.
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 oaky, and less spicy.
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 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 more oaky, 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
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.
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.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 more oaky, and spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
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.