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 tart or sour-fruited, too austere, too oaky or woody and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
curatedA similarly soft, plummy, low-tannin red at consistently modest prices.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting 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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão 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.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
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.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Carignan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
curatedA similarly soft, plummy, low-tannin red at consistently modest prices.
Expect: Higher acidity and a more rustic, less polished finish.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from merlot, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
curatedA similarly soft, plummy, low-tannin red at consistently modest prices.
Expect: Higher acidity and a more rustic, less polished finish.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from merlot, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
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.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.