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 green or grassy, too earthy or musty and 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.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Zweigelt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- 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.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Portugieser
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 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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
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 fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
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 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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Asti
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.
Toro
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dolcetto
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 fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
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 softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
English sparkling rosé
English sparkling rosé scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
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 oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinot Noir
curatedSimilar weight, perfume and freshness.
Expect: Earthier and softer, with less graphite.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Graciano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Hawke’s Bay Syrah scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Zweigelt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Ciliegiolo
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.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
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 earthier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 earthier.
Dão
Dão scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 earthier.
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.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zweigelt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zweigelt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.