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.
Refine
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting, too soft or too easy and too floral or soapy.
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 some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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 more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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.
Poulsard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
País
País scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more 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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mourvèdre
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Languedoc red
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 more oaky.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Red Bordeaux
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.