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Wines like Chilean Carmenère
Chile’s signature variety: plush dark fruit with a savoury green-peppercorn and soy character, from a grape mistaken for Merlot for a century. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Chilean Carmenère?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- The 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.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping the herbal, green edge and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere.
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.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Red Bordeaux
curatedCarmenère is a Bordeaux variety, and shares the blend’s plush dark fruit.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
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
Tibouren scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Red Bordeaux
curatedCarmenère is a Bordeaux variety, and shares the blend’s plush dark fruit.
Expect: Less herbal and more structured, with a longer life.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
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 riper and less green, and less spicy.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Rondo
Rondo scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Bolgheri
Bolgheri scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Syrah
Syrah scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
California Rhône blend
California Rhône blend scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from carmenère, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from carmenère, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
curatedCarmenère is a Bordeaux variety, and shares the blend’s plush dark fruit.
Expect: Less herbal and more structured, with a longer life.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Chilean Carmenère across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
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.