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 jammy or sweet-tasting 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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Carmenère
curatedCarmenère was grown in Chile for decades in the belief that it was Merlot, and shares its softness and plush texture.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- 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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Colorino
Colorino scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Carmenère
curatedCarmenère was grown in Chile for decades in the belief that it was Merlot, and shares its softness and plush texture.
Expect: More overtly herbal and peppery, with a savoury, soy-like depth Merlot lacks.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Bordeaux
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 lighter.
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 lighter.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
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 lighter.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fresher, and lighter.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fresher, and lighter.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Red Bordeaux
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 lighter.
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 lighter.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Carmenère
curatedCarmenère was grown in Chile for decades in the belief that it was Merlot, and shares its softness and plush texture.
Expect: More overtly herbal and peppery, with a savoury, soy-like depth Merlot lacks.
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 lighter.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.