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Wines like Broad-leaved Melnik

A Struma Valley red found essentially nowhere else, tannic and slow to come round. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Broad-leaved Melnik?

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 That it is not oaky The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too plain or too simple too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky 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.
That it is not oaky: No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
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.
The earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
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 and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere, too peppery, too drying or too tannic and too savoury or funky.

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.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit 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.

Tinta Barroca

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
A little less savoury or funky.

Corvina

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

Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
A little less savoury or funky.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Grolleau

Grolleau scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sagrantino

Sagrantino scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Toro

Toro scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera d’Asti

Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Barbera

Barbera scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Merlot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

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 fruit-driven, and spicier.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

English sparkling rosé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

Tinta Negra

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Merlot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Muscat Bailey A

Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.

Xinomavro

curated

A comparably tannic, savoury Balkan red that needs years and develops dried-fruit character.

Expect: Xinomavro is higher in acid and paler.

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 drier, and more fruit-driven.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Melnik

Both are made from broad-leaved melnik, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Melnik

Both are made from broad-leaved melnik, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Merlot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

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.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more tannic and structured.

A step up

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and drier.

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Priorat

Priorat scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.