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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 green or grassy, too drying or too tannic, too peppery and too earthy or musty.

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.

Merlot

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

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.
About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

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.
About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

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

Chianti

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Gamay

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

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

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.

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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Uruguayan Tannat

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

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

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 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

California 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 fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Madiran

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

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

Bairrada Baga

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Baga

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but fresher

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

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 more herbal and green.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Barbera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, 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 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 riper and less green.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Champagne

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

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 tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Canaiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

Super Tuscan

curated

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

Expect: More Mediterranean herb character and higher acidity.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Gamay

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

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.

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 more herbal and green, and less spicy.

Malbec

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Muscadet

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Similar but more floral

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

Gamay

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

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

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.

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 more herbal and green, 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 more savoury, and earthier.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva 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.

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, 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 fruitier.

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.

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 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.

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 more herbal and green.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.

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.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 more herbal and green.

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 more herbal and green, 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 herbal and green, and more tannic and structured.

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 tannic and structured.

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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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.

Super Tuscan

curated

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

Expect: More Mediterranean herb character and higher acidity.

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.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, 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 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 more herbal and green.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

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 both sit in the same style family.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both sit in the same style family.

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

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.