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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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from too peppery, too green or grassy 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.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

curated

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Super Tuscan

curated

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

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 firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

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.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less peppery.
About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
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.

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.

Sonoma 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 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.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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 less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Gamay

Both come from the same country.

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

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green, and spicier.

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 less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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 less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Toro

Both sit in the same style family.

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

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 tannic and structured, and riper and less green.

Petit Verdot

Both are made from petit verdot, and both come from the same country.

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

Bairrada Baga

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 fresher

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bairrada Baga

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 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 less tannic and softer, 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.

Sonoma 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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

English sparkling rosé

English sparkling rosé scores closest to Red Bordeaux across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

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.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sonoma 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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

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

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

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.

Malbec

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

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

Barbaresco

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Gamay

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

Sonoma 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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

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.

Similar but more floral

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

Malbec

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

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

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.

Uco Valley 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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less 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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

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

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

Xinomavro

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

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

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.

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

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

Sonoma 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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

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.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Chianti

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

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

Loire Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc, and both come from the same country.

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

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 less spicy.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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

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

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 riper and less green, and spicier.

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 less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.

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.

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.

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 less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Sonoma 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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

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.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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.

Sonoma 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 riper and less green, and less spicy.

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.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 riper and less green, and spicier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

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

Priorat

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

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

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.