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.
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.
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 oaky or woody and too peppery.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Madiran
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Full-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Madiran
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Full-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Full-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Full-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Sagrantino
Both are made from sagrantino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Dão
Both are made from touriga nacional, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Alba
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Chianti
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fresher and more acidic.
Argentine Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Tannat
Both are made from tannat, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 Classico
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Priorat
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
Chianti
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
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.