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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 soft or too easy, too heavy and too oaky or woody.

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.

Dolcetto

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Colorino

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

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

Dão

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

Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Etna Rosso

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

Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

Substantially less soft or too easy.
A little less heavy.
About as oaky or woody 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.

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

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 less oaky.

Colorino

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

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 stronger and warmer.

Different grape, similar feel

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

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

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 less oaky.

Colorino

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

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 stronger and warmer.

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

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 less oaky.

Colorino

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

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 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

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 less oaky.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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.

Cabernet Franc

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.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Toro

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Merlot across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.

Petit Verdot

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

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.

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.

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 structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Similar but fresher

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

Fer Servadou

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 less oaky.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Etna Rosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but softer

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

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

curated

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

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

Canaiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Négrette

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.

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

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 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 fuller and richer.

Dolcetto

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

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

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Tinto Cão

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 less oaky.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

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.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Tinto Cão

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot.

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

Tempranillo

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

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

Rioja

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

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.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Gamay

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.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Similar but more restrained

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Fer Servadou

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 less oaky.

Colorino

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Cabernet Franc

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.

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Etna Rosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more savoury

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Xinomavro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Etna Rosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

Petite Sirah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Toro

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

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.

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 less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.

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 fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.

Egri Bikavér

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

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 floral.

Cabernet Franc

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.

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 stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Something more adventurous

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

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

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 less oaky.

Colorino

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

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 stronger and warmer.

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.

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

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 less oaky.

Colorino

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

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 stronger and warmer.

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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.