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 the earthy, savoury-mineral character and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too earthy or musty.
- You said you like the earthy, savoury-mineral character and that it is too earthy or musty. Both are about earthy character, 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.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
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.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Douro red
Douro red scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Xinomavro
curatedA comparably tannic, savoury Balkan red that needs years and develops dried-fruit character.
Expect: Xinomavro is higher in acid and paler.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
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 fuller and richer.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.