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 floral or soapy, too light or thin and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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 floral or soapy.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Grenache
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 floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Carignan
Both come from the same country.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
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 lighter, and more oaky.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 lighter, and more oaky.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
País
País scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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 Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Trousseau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Dornfelder
Dornfelder scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
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.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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.
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 lighter, and more oaky.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Vintage Port
Vintage Port scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Grenache
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.
Petit Verdot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
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 more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and more oaky.
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.
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.
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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 lighter.
Grenache
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Etna Rosso
Etna Rosso scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Carignan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
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.
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 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.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
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.
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.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco 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 lighter, and more oaky.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Carignan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 lighter, and more oaky.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Carignan
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
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.