If you like this, try…

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.

← Back to Plavac Mali

Refine

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 full body and weight, while moving away from too drying or too tannic 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.

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Grenache

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Zinfandel

curated

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Argentine Malbec

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Australian Grenache

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Grenache

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

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

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.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Grenache

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

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.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

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

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Grenache

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Priorat

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

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

Toro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Similar but fresher

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Similar but softer

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

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

Marsanne

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

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

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 lighter, and more oaky.

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Similar but sweeter

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

Ruby Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Vin Doux Naturel

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

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

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

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

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.

Grenache

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Barossa Shiraz

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

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Shiraz

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Gamay

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Similar but more floral

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Gamay

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

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.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Grenache

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

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

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.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

A step up

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

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

Primitivo

curated

The same variety as Zinfandel under its Italian name, in a comparably warm Adriatic setting.

Expect: Softer and rounder than Plavac Mali.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

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.