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.
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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.
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 earthy, savoury-mineral character, while moving away from too savoury or funky and too plain or too simple.
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.
Melnik
Both are made from broad-leaved melnik, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
California Pinot Noir
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 earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Melnik
Both are made from broad-leaved melnik, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Broad-leaved Melnik across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Melnik
Both are made from broad-leaved melnik, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Melnik
Both are made from broad-leaved melnik, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Xinomavro
curatedA comparably tannic, savoury Balkan red that needs years and develops dried-fruit character.
Expect: Xinomavro is higher in acid and paler.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
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.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Melnik
Both are made from broad-leaved melnik, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Melnik
Both are made from broad-leaved melnik, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Uco Valley Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more savoury.
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.