If you like this, try…
Wines like Négrette
The distinctive violet-scented variety of Fronton in south-west France. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Négrette?
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 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.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting 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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less light or thin.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less light or thin.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less light or thin.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less light or thin.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- 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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Gamay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 less floral.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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.