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 heavy and too oaky or woody.
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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
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 heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
curatedA similarly soft, plummy, low-tannin red at consistently modest prices.
Expect: Higher acidity and a more rustic, less polished finish.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
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.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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 fuller and richer.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
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 fresher, and fuller and richer.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fuller and richer.
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 more oaky.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
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 fresher, and fuller and richer.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and fresher.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.