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 and that the fruit is not covered in oak, 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.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less light or thin.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
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.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less light or thin.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- 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.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more 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.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more 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.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
País scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Meunier
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Tibouren
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.
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.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Cahors
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Petit Verdot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Douro red
Douro red scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Cahors
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more oaky, and less floral.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Dão
Dão scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria 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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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
Nebbiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more 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.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.