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Wines like Blaufränkisch

Central Europe’s finest red variety: peppery, high-acid and structured, with genuine ageing potential. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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Refine

What do you like about Blaufränkisch?

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.

I like…

How fresh and crisp it is The firm, grippy structure The spice

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or acidic too drying or too tannic too light or thin too oaky or woody too peppery too earthy or musty

Clear all

What these words mean

How fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
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 light it is: A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
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.
The earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.

Looking for something keeping the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too earthy or musty, too light or thin, too drying or too tannic and 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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
A little less oaky or woody.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
A little less oaky or woody.

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially 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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

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.

Valpolicella

Valpolicella scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Molinara

Molinara scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Beaujolais

Beaujolais scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Cinsault

Cinsault scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Pinot Meunier

Pinot Meunier scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Australian Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and softer and rounder.

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and softer and rounder.

Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and softer and rounder.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

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.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Barbera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

English sparkling rosé

English sparkling rosé scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Ruby Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Vin Doux Naturel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more 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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Australian Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Super Tuscan

Super Tuscan scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Bolgheri

Bolgheri scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Shiraz

Shiraz scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Cabernet Franc

curated

Comparable acidity, graphite minerality and medium body.

Expect: Leafier and lighter in tannin.

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Malbec

Malbec scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Gamay

Gamay scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Cabernet Franc

curated

Comparable acidity, graphite minerality and medium body.

Expect: Leafier and lighter in tannin.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Sangiovese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.

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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.

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 blaufränkisch, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Blaufränkisch

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Egri Bikavér

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Egri Bikavér

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Blaufränkisch

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

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.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Argentine Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Rioja Crianza

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Areni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Corvina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and softer and rounder.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Sangiovese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

How these are chosen

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.