If you like this, try…
Wines like Argentine Malbec
Mendoza’s velvet-textured, violet-scented red — soft, generous and the wine that made Malbec international. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Argentine Malbec?
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".
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- 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.
Looking for something keeping the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting and too floral or soapy.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Douro red
curatedComparable density and dark fruit from an entirely different grape set.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat in place of violet and cocoa.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Douro red
curatedComparable density and dark fruit from an entirely different grape set.
Expect: More floral and mineral, with firmer acidity.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat in place of violet and cocoa.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Douro red
curatedComparable density and dark fruit from an entirely different grape set.
Expect: More floral and mineral, with firmer acidity.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
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.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat in place of violet and cocoa.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat in place of violet and cocoa.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
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.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher and more acidic.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
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 more fruit-driven, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Argentine Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Argentine Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
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 floral, and sweeter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
curatedA comparably full, dark, generous warm-climate red.
Expect: More chocolate and sweet spice, and higher alcohol.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
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.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and earthier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat in place of violet and cocoa.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
curatedThe higher, cooler expression of the same grape and region.
Expect: Fresher, more floral and more structured.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Argentine Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Argentine Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Argentine Malbec across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat in place of violet and cocoa.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Douro red
curatedComparable density and dark fruit from an entirely different grape set.
Expect: More floral and mineral, with firmer acidity.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat in place of violet and cocoa.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
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.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Uco Valley Malbec
curatedThe higher, cooler expression of the same grape and region.
Expect: Fresher, more floral and more structured.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from malbec, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
curatedThe higher, cooler expression of the same grape and region.
Expect: Fresher, more floral and more 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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat in place of violet and cocoa.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cahors
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Douro red
curatedComparable density and dark fruit from an entirely different grape set.
Expect: More floral and mineral, with firmer acidity.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
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
curatedMalbec in its French homeland.
Expect: Darker, firmer, earthier and much less plush.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Douro red
curatedComparable density and dark fruit from an entirely different grape set.
Expect: More floral and mineral, with firmer acidity.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe standard next step for a Malbec drinker who wants more complexity.
Expect: Black pepper, olive and cured meat in place of violet and cocoa.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.