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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.

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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.

I like…

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too tart or sour-fruited too soft or too easy too heavy too oaky or woody too austere

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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, 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.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
About as heavy as the wine you started from.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Carmenère

curated

Carmenère 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 heavy as the wine you started from.
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 heavy as the wine you started from.
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 heavy as the wine you started from.
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 heavy as the wine you started from.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

The two are blended together across Bordeaux and share dark fruit, oak affinity and body.

About as jammy or sweet-tasting 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.

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 heavy as the wine you started from.
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 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.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Carmenère

curated

Carmenère 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.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Red Burgundy

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Tibouren

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Uruguayan Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from merlot, and 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 stronger and warmer.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Carmenère

curated

Carmenère 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.

Tibouren

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

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 stronger and warmer.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

curated

A similarly soft, plummy, low-tannin red at consistently modest prices.

Expect: Higher acidity and a more rustic, less polished finish.

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

Lambrusco scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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 lighter, and fresher.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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 stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Rondinella

Rondinella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Tawny Port

Tawny Port scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.

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.

Broad-leaved Melnik

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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 lighter, and fresher.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Pinot Noir

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo 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 lighter, and fresher.

Tempranillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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 fruit-driven.

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.

Bolgheri

Both are made from merlot.

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 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.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

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

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Bolgheri

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 lighter, and fresher.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Carmenère

curated

Carmenère 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.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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.

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 stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from merlot, and 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 stronger and warmer.

How these are chosen

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.