If you like this, try…
Wines like Alicante Bouschet
A red-fleshed nineteenth-century French crossing, now most important in the Alentejo. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Alicante Bouschet?
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".
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, 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.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 more oaky, and more savoury.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
St Laurent
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
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 less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
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 lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Alicante Bouschet across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Alicante Bouschet across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Alicante Bouschet across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and lighter.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and lighter.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and 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.