If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too austere, too peppery, too savoury or funky and 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.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- 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.
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 more oaky, and drier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 less tannic and softer, and more savoury.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 more oaky.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
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 more oaky.
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 more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Molinara
Molinara 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.
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.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
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 more oaky, and drier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 more oaky, and spicier.
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.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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.