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 fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too oaky or woody and too light or thin.
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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Valais Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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.
País
País 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.
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.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico
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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Australian 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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Port
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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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 softer and rounder.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Bolgheri
Bolgheri scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Shiraz
Shiraz 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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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.
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.
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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.