If you like this, try…
Wines like Grolleau
A high-yielding Loire variety used principally for Rosé d’Anjou. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Grolleau?
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
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- The rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- 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.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
Looking for something keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from 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.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
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.
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.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
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.
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.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more tannic and structured.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.