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 moving away from too peppery, 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less light or thin.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- Substantially 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
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.
Molinara
Molinara 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.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less spicy, and lighter.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
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 lighter, and more oaky.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Ruby Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Vin Doux Naturel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Broad-leaved Melnik
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.
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.
Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Blaufränkisch across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Taurasi
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.
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 more oaky, and softer and rounder.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more 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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Red Bordeaux
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.