Buy a red with the same dark fruit, firm structure and fuller body as Cabernet Sauvignon, but from a grape they haven't tried: a Mendoza Malbec, a Cabernet Franc, a Syrah, a Ribera del Duero or a Super Tuscan, around $15 to $40. These sit close enough to Cabernet that they'll feel at home, and different enough to be a discovery. Skip light reds like Pinot Noir and anything sweet, which most committed Cabernet drinkers find thin.
Someone who "only drinks Cabernet" usually loves a feeling more than a grape: bold, dry, dark-fruited and satisfying with food. Match that feeling and they'll be happy to branch out.
Which wines are similar to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Malbec from Mendoza, $15 to $30
Malbec has Cabernet's dark plum and blackberry fruit with a softer, rounder finish, which makes it the easiest first step away from Cab. Catena Malbec is widely available in the US. Our guide to Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon explains the difference in more detail.
Cabernet Franc from the Loire or Washington, $18 to $30
Cabernet Franc is one of Cabernet Sauvignon's parent grapes, so the family resemblance is real: firm structure, dark berries and a savory, herbal edge. It's a thoughtful pick for someone who likes their Cab dry rather than plush. See Cabernet Franc vs Cabernet Sauvignon for how the two compare.
Syrah or Shiraz, $15 to $35
Syrah brings blackberry, black pepper and smoky, meaty notes with plenty of body. Washington Syrah and Australian Shiraz often lean generous and fruity, which suits a fan of rich California Cabernet.
Ribera del Duero from Spain, $20 to $35
Made mostly from Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero is usually bigger and darker than Rioja, with firm tannin and oak spice that will feel familiar to a Cabernet drinker. It's a great match for steak and lamb.
A Super Tuscan, $25 to $40
Many Super Tuscans blend Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, so they're a natural bridge: the Cabernet they know plus Italian cherry and savory notes. Our guide to what Super Tuscan means on a label shows how to spot one.
If they like X, try Y
Cabernet drinkers aren't all alike, so if you know which kind of Cabernet they buy, use it to narrow things down.
- If they love rich, smooth Napa-style Cabernet, try the Malbec or an Australian Shiraz. For a Cabernet that hits the same note for less, see our Caymus alternatives.
- If they like a dry, structured Cabernet, pick the Cabernet Franc or the Ribera del Duero.
- If they like peppery, spicy reds, go for Syrah.
- If they drink easygoing supermarket Cabernet, a Malbec or a Josh-style Cabernet alternative keeps it approachable.
- If they love Cabernet with steak, the Ribera del Duero or the Super Tuscan will feel right at home on the table.
Should I just buy them a Cabernet?
You can, and it's never a wrong answer. If you'd rather stay safe, a Cabernet from a region they may not know, like Washington's Columbia Valley or Chile's Maipo Valley, still feels like a discovery. A new grape is a bigger surprise, though, and the picks above are chosen so the surprise lands well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What red wine is closest to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Franc and Merlot-based Bordeaux blends are the closest relatives, since they share Cabernet's grape family. For a similar weight and dark fruit from a different grape, Malbec and Syrah are the most reliable choices.
Is Merlot similar to Cabernet Sauvignon?
They're close cousins and often blended, but Merlot is softer, rounder and less tannic. A Cabernet drinker who likes plush, smooth wines usually enjoys Merlot, while one who likes firm structure may find it too gentle. Our Cabernet vs Merlot comparison covers the details.
Will a Cabernet drinker like Pinot Noir?
Not always, because Pinot Noir is much lighter in body and tannin, so it can taste thin to someone used to Cabernet. If you want to try it, pick a riper California Pinot Noir rather than a delicate one.
How can I tell if a red wine is bold like Cabernet?
Look at the alcohol and the region. Reds around 14% alcohol or more from warm places like Mendoza, Paso Robles, Barossa or Washington are usually full-bodied, and terms like Reserva or Crianza signal oak aging.
How much should I spend on a bottle for a Cabernet lover?
Around $20 to $35 buys an excellent bottle from any of the styles above. Spending more is optional, and a well-chosen bottle from a new grape can mean more than an expensive Cabernet they already know.
