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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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too earthy or musty and too peppery.

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.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

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.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

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.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Super Tuscan

curated

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Chianti Classico

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tibouren

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

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

Carignan

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 earthier.

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.

Tibouren

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

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

Valpolicella

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

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

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

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

Tibouren

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Super Tuscan

curated

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

Expect: More Mediterranean herb character and higher acidity.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.

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 fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tibouren

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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 less spicy, and earthier.

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Baga

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

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

Tannat

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Chianti

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Similar but softer

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

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 fruit-driven, 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 fruitier, and less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Champagne

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tibouren

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

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Super Tuscan

curated

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

Expect: More Mediterranean herb character and higher acidity.

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.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Malbec

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

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

Gamay

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Muscadet

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

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Malbec

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

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

Dão

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

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

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 more savoury, and earthier.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

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

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both sit in the same style family.

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

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.

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 fruitier, and less spicy.

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 fruitier, 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 less spicy, 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 less spicy, 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 less spicy, and earthier.

Chianti Classico

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 less spicy, and fruitier.

Super Tuscan

curated

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

Expect: More Mediterranean herb character and higher acidity.

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.

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.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

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 fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Chianti

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy, 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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy, 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 less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

A step up

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

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Priorat

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 earthier, and spicier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.