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.
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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 green or grassy.
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.
Pinot Noir
curatedSimilar weight, perfume and freshness.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
St Laurent
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinot Noir
curatedSimilar weight, perfume and freshness.
Expect: Earthier and softer, with less graphite.
St Laurent
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
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 riper and less green, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
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 riper and less green, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
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 riper and less green, and sweeter.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and less floral.
Piedirosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
curatedSimilar weight, perfume and freshness.
Expect: Earthier and softer, with less graphite.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Australian Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
curatedSimilar weight, perfume and freshness.
Expect: Earthier and softer, with less graphite.
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 riper and less green, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Bierzo Mencía
Both are made from mencía, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, 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.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Bierzo Mencía
Both are made from mencía, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and lighter.
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.
Pinot Noir
curatedSimilar weight, perfume and freshness.
Expect: Earthier and softer, with less graphite.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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 riper and less green, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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.