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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.

← Back to Merlot

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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 oaky or woody, too austere, too soft or too easy 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 oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
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.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Carignan

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

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 more oaky.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

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 less tannic and softer.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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 more oaky.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Rondinella

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Colorino

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Rondo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Toro

Toro 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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

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 Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more 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 less tannic and softer.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

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 more oaky.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

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 less tannic and softer.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Mourvèdre

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and drier.

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.

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 more oaky.

Tinto Cão

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cahors

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Carignan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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.

Pinotage

Pinotage 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more 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 less tannic and softer.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Cahors

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Carignan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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 less tannic and softer.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Washington 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.

Bolgheri

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

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.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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 drier, and spicier.

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 more oaky.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

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 less tannic and softer.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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 more oaky.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.

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 less tannic and softer.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

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.