If you like this, try…
Wines like Mencía
A perfumed, fresh, graphite-edged red from north-west Spain, best from old slate-grown vines in Bierzo. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Mencía?
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 rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- 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.
Looking for something moving away from too floral or soapy.
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.
St Laurent
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
St Laurent
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
St Laurent
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 less floral, and sweeter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stiller.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and stiller.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
curatedShared floral red fruit, graphite minerality and high acidity.
Expect: Leafier and slightly more herbaceous.
Pinot Noir
curatedSimilar weight, perfume and freshness.
Expect: Earthier and softer, with less graphite.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
St Laurent
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
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 less floral, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
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.
Bierzo Mencía
Both are made from mencía, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
St Laurent
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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.
St Laurent
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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.