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 keeping the full body and weight and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too peppery and too heavy.
- You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less heavy.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less heavy.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less heavy.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less heavy.
Montsant
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less heavy.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less heavy.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less heavy.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less heavy.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Lagrein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 stronger and warmer.
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 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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Tannat
Both are made from tannat.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 stronger and warmer.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less tannic and softer, and spicier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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 stiller, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
California 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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Montsant
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
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 more tannic and structured, 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 stronger and warmer.
Nebbiolo
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Barolo
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
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.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 stronger and warmer.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California 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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Cahors
Both are made from malbec, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
California 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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
Both are made from shiraz, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Montsant
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Montsant
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Barbaresco
Both are made from nebbiolo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
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.