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 oaky or woody and too soft or too easy.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
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.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
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.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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 more oaky.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
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 less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more oaky, and earthier.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
curatedA 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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and spicier.
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 stiller, and less tannic and softer.
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 more oaky, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
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 less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
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.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more aromatic.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower 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 less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
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 less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Margaret River 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 more oaky.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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 less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 less tannic and softer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less tannic and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
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 spicier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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 spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.