If you like this, try…
Wines like Merlot
A plush, plum-scented Bordeaux variety that ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and produces softer, rounder wine. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Merlot?
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".
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- 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 moving away from too austere, too heavy and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- More heavy, not less.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- More heavy, not less.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less heavy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less heavy.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
Cabernet Sauvignon
curatedThe two are blended together across Bordeaux and share dark fruit, oak affinity and body.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
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.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from merlot, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Cabernet Sauvignon
curatedThe two are blended together across Bordeaux and share dark fruit, oak affinity and body.
Expect: Firmer tannin, higher acidity, blackcurrant rather than plum, and a longer wait before it drinks well.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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.