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Wines like Red Bordeaux

The blended Cabernet–Merlot benchmark: structured, cedary and built to age, with two distinct characters depending on which bank of the river it comes from. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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Refine

What do you like about Red Bordeaux?

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 firm, grippy structure The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too green or grassy too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

What these words mean

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 herbal, green side: Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
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.
The earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.

Looking for something moving away from too earthy or musty 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.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Widely considered the New World region closest to Bordeaux in structure and balance.

Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less oaky or woody.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Bordeaux varieties at a fraction of the price, with reliable ripeness.

Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less oaky or woody.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montsant

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

Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Valais Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little 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.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Widely considered the New World region closest to Bordeaux in structure and balance.

Expect: A touch riper and more consistent between vintages.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Bordeaux varieties at a fraction of the price, with reliable ripeness.

Expect: More minty and less complex, but far cheaper.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

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.

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Gamay

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

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

Dolcetto

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.

Gamay

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

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Argentine Malbec

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 more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Petit Verdot

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but less tannic

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Bonarda

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Gamay

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Petit Verdot

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but fresher

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Molinara

Molinara scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but softer

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and spicier.

Merlot

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 more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Crémant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

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 oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tinta Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barroca scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Fer Servadou

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Super Tuscan

curated

Bordeaux varieties grown in Tuscany, often in a deliberately Bordelais style.

Expect: More Mediterranean herb character and higher acidity.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

The same grapes, made in a ripe New World idiom.

Expect: Riper, softer, higher in alcohol and more overtly oaked.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Gamay

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Muscat Bailey A

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more restrained

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

Pinot Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Similar but more floral

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

Gamay

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from merlot.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Xinomavro

Xinomavro scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Taurasi

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Bordeaux varieties at a fraction of the price, with reliable ripeness.

Expect: More minty and less complex, but far cheaper.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Widely considered the New World region closest to Bordeaux in structure and balance.

Expect: A touch riper and more consistent between vintages.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

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.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Widely considered the New World region closest to Bordeaux in structure and balance.

Expect: A touch riper and more consistent between vintages.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Bordeaux varieties at a fraction of the price, with reliable ripeness.

Expect: More minty and less complex, but far cheaper.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Chianti

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from merlot.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Argentine Malbec

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 more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Petit Verdot

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Gamay

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

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

Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

Bordeaux varieties at a fraction of the price, with reliable ripeness.

Expect: More minty and less complex, but far cheaper.

Something more adventurous

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montsant

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

A step up

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and spicier.

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Ribera del Duero

Both sit in the same style family.

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

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.