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 moving away from too light or thin, too floral or soapy 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.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- 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 less floral.
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
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.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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
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.
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.
Molinara
Molinara 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.
Pinot Noir
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.
Loire Cabernet Franc
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 lighter in alcohol.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Mourvèdre
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.
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 lighter in alcohol.
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 stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Vin Doux Naturel
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Port
Port 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 lighter in alcohol.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
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 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 more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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.
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 lighter, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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.
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.
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.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 lighter.
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.
Mourvèdre
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
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.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Négrette across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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 less floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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 less floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.
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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.