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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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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 moving away from too drying or too tannic, too earthy or musty and too peppery.

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.

Egri Bikavér

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Zweigelt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Areni

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Prokupac

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Corvina

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Rioja Crianza

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Nero d’Avola

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Trousseau

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

Substantially less drying or too tannic.
Substantially less earthy or musty.
Substantially less peppery.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Egri Bikavér

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Zweigelt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Areni

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

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

Prokupac

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

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

Zweigelt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Areni

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

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

Prokupac

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

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

Corvina

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

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

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 spicy, and less tannic and softer.

Cinsault

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

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

Tibouren

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

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

Frappato

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trousseau

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

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Argentine 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.

Nero d’Avola

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

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

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Merlot

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

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

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Nero d’Avola

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

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.

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 less spicy.

Petite Sirah

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

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

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

Areni

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Carmenère

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English sparkling rosé

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Ruby Port

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

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

Corvina

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

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

Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

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

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.

Prokupac

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

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

Trousseau

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

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

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ciliegiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bolgheri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

curated

Comparable acidity, graphite minerality and medium body.

Expect: Leafier and lighter in tannin.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Noir

curated

A similarly high-acid, savoury red in a softer frame.

Expect: Much softer tannin and more red fruit.

Similar but more restrained

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

Egri Bikavér

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Zweigelt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Areni

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

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

Prokupac

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.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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 Franc

curated

Comparable acidity, graphite minerality and medium body.

Expect: Leafier and lighter in tannin.

Similar but more savoury

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

Areni

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

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

Pinot Noir

curated

A similarly high-acid, savoury red in a softer frame.

Expect: Much softer tannin and more red fruit.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Primitivo

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Egri Bikavér

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Egri Bikavér

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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 more tannic and structured, and spicier.

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.

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Grenache

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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.

Egri Bikavér

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Zweigelt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Areni

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

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

Prokupac

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

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

Egri Bikavér

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Zweigelt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Areni

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

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

Prokupac

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

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

A step up

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more herbal and green.

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Grenache

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

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

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.