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Wines like Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Structured, refined Cabernet from a strongly maritime corner of Western Australia — the New World region closest to Bordeaux in balance. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Margaret River 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 bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- 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 green or grassy and too heavy.
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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less heavy.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially 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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Priorat
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Australian traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and earthier.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
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.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Bekaa Valley Red
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 fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
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 stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fuller and richer.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Priorat
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Malbec
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.