If you like this, try…
Wines like Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Reliable, cassis-driven Cabernet with a distinctive mint or eucalyptus note — and consistently among the best value in the world. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon?
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
- The rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- 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.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- 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.
- 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 moving away from too drying or too tannic and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Red Bordeaux
curatedThe original template for the blend.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Chilean Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
País
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 more fruit-driven.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
curatedThe same grape in a more celebrated and much more expensive New World region.
Expect: Riper, plusher and far more oaked.
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 fruitier.
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 fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Chilean Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Bairrada Baga
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Taurasi
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
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 earthier, and fresher.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
English still Pinot Noir
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.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Chilean Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more sparkling.
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 fruitier.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
País
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 more fruit-driven.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Chilean Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and earthier.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Red Bordeaux
curatedThe original template for the blend.
Expect: Earthier and more structured, with a longer ageing curve.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Zinfandel
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
California Rhône blend
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Primitivo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fresher, and earthier.
Red Bordeaux
curatedThe original template for the blend.
Expect: Earthier and more structured, with a longer ageing curve.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fresher, 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 more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
curatedThe same grape in a more celebrated and much more expensive New World region.
Expect: Riper, plusher and far more 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 more tannic and structured.
Super Tuscan
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 more tannic and structured.
Bolgheri
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.
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
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and riper and less green.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Chilean Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
País
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 more fruit-driven.
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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Chilean Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Carmenère
Both are made from carmenère, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
País
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 more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier.
Super Tuscan
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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
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 fruitier.
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.