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Wines like Plavac Mali

Dalmatia’s principal red: powerful, high in alcohol, and a child of Zinfandel. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Plavac Mali?

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…

The rich dark fruit How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure The spice The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too savoury or funky

Clear all

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".
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 firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
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.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.

Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too heavy and too drying or too tannic.

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.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Carmenère

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

California Pinot Noir

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Different grape, similar feel

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.

California Pinot Noir

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

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

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.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Similar but less tannic

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mavrud

Mavrud scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Aglianico

Aglianico scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.

Baga

Baga scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fresher

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but softer

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

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Franciacorta

Franciacorta scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tawny Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvina

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

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.

Prokupac

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

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

Castelão

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

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trousseau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more tannic and structured.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Morgon

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

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

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more floral

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

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more savoury

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.

California Rhône blend

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

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

Both are made from plavac mali, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

Both are made from plavac mali, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.

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.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Zinfandel

curated

Its parent variety, and the closest widely available point of reference for the ripeness and the dried-fruit character.

Expect: Plavac Mali is more tannic, more savoury, and less sweetly fruited.

Something more adventurous

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

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Chilean Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Australian Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

A step up

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

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.