If you like this, try…
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.
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.
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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from too earthy or musty.
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cinsault
Cinsault scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
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 less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.
Syrah
curatedShared black pepper, dark fruit and savoury structure.
Expect: Fuller and riper, with softer acidity.
Cabernet Franc
curatedComparable acidity, graphite minerality and medium body.
Expect: Leafier and lighter in tannin.
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.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more herbal and green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less spicy.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more herbal and green.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
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.
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.
Blaufränkisch
Both are made from blaufränkisch, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fuller and richer.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from blaufränkisch, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from blaufränkisch, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Blaufränkisch
Both are made from blaufränkisch, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter.
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and softer and rounder.
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.