If you like this, try…
Wines like Muscat Bailey A
Japan’s most planted red: a 1927 hybrid with a distinctive confected strawberry aroma. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Muscat Bailey A?
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 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".
- 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 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
Looking for something moving away from too perfumed.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more tannic and structured.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more tannic and structured.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
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 spicier, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more tannic and structured.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
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 sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more tannic and structured.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more tannic and structured.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less oaky.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more tannic and structured.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more tannic and structured.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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 fuller and richer, and drier.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
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.