If you like this, try…

Wines like Full-bodied dry red

Dense, powerful reds with substantial tannin, dark fruit and often noticeable oak — the wines for steak and for cellaring. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Full-bodied dry red

Refine

What do you like about Full-bodied dry red?

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…

How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure The vanilla and oak

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too austere

Clear all

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".
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 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 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.
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 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.

Red Bordeaux

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

Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Tempranillo

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

Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Rioja

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

Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Aglianico

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

Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Rioja Reserva

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

Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Mourvèdre

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

Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Cahors

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

Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.

Taurasi

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

Substantially 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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Rioja Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

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 lighter, and earthier.

Red Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and stronger and warmer.

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 lighter, and earthier.

Red Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

English still Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and earthier.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Rioja Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

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 earthier.

Carmenère

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

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

Chilean Carmenère

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

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Similar but fresher

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

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.

Barbaresco

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Marsanne

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

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

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

The sparkling version

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

Corpinnat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Tawny Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

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.

Cahors

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

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

Carignan

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

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

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Tempranillo

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

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

Rioja

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

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

Rioja Reserva

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

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.

Barolo

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Similar but more restrained

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.

Franken Silvaner

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

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

Muscadet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Cahors

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but fruitier

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Cahors

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

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

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Cahors

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

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

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fresher and more acidic.

Barbaresco

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Rioja Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Something more adventurous

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

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Cahors

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

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

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

Cahors

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

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

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

A step up

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Rioja Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

How these are chosen

Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.