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 floral or soapy, too earthy or musty and too light or thin.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Toro
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.
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.
Primitivo
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Toro
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.
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.
Primitivo
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
Valpolicella scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
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.
Barossa Shiraz
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.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
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 less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Toro
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Plavac Mali
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vintage Port
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Shiraz
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
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 aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Barolo
Barolo 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.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Toro
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
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.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot scores closest to Mencía across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional 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 lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Toro
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.
Primitivo
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Ribera del Duero
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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
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.
Toro
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.
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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Sirah
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.
Toro
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.
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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Sirah
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barossa Shiraz
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.