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 savoury, non-fruity character, that the fruit is not covered in oak and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too drying or too tannic.
- 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.
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
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.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 more tannic and structured.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mavrud
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Tannat
Tannat scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Madiran
Madiran scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more fruit-driven.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 more fruit-driven, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 more fruit-driven.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruit-driven.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
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 fruit-driven.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 oaky, and more savoury.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Northern Rhône Syrah
Northern Rhône Syrah scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 oaky, and more savoury.
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 fruitier.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.