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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 heavy, too soft or too easy 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.

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 heavy as the wine you started from.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
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 oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Tannat

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

About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
More heavy, not less.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Madiran

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

About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
More heavy, not less.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Carignan

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

Substantially less oaky or woody.
About as heavy as the wine you started from.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
More heavy, not less.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
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.

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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

Expect: Firmer tannin, higher acidity, blackcurrant rather than plum, and a longer wait before it drinks well.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Colorino

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Canaiolo

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

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

Rondinella

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

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

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.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Verdot

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.

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.

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.

Toro

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

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

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 less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Montepulciano

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

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.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

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.

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.

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 fresher.

Tinto Cão

Tinto Cão scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondinella

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

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

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.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Canaiolo

Canaiolo 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.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from merlot.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot.

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

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot.

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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.

Cabernet Franc

Both come from the same country.

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

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 fresher, and lighter.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot.

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

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 lighter, 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 more oaky, and fruitier.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot.

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

Bolgheri

Both are made from merlot.

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

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 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 less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

Expect: Firmer tannin, higher acidity, blackcurrant rather than plum, and a longer wait before it drinks well.

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.

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.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more 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.

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.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

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

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

Madiran

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

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

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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.