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Wines like Pinot Noir

A thin-skinned, difficult, site-sensitive variety that produces the most perfumed and transparent red wines in the world. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Pinot Noir?

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.

I like…

How aromatic it is The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too alcoholic or warming too floral or soapy too perfumed too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

What these words mean

That it is not too strong: Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
How aromatic it is: Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
The floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
The earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.

Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character and the earthy, savoury-mineral character, while moving away from too perfumed and too savoury or funky.

You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Blaufränkisch

curated

A similarly high-acid, medium-bodied, savoury red from central Europe.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Chilean Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less perfumed.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less perfumed.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Nerello Mascalese

curated

Etna’s Nerello Mascalese shares Pinot’s pale colour, high acidity, fine tannin and transparency to site.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less perfumed.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Red Burgundy

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
Substantially less perfumed.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Cru Beaujolais

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

California Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Blaufränkisch

curated

A similarly high-acid, medium-bodied, savoury red from central Europe.

Expect: More peppery and darker-fruited, with firmer tannin.

Chilean Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Blaufränkisch

curated

A similarly high-acid, medium-bodied, savoury red from central Europe.

Expect: More peppery and darker-fruited, with firmer tannin.

Nerello Mascalese

curated

Etna’s Nerello Mascalese shares Pinot’s pale colour, high acidity, fine tannin and transparency to site.

Expect: More volcanic, ashy and savoury, with a firmer tannic frame.

Cru Beaujolais

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Loire Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

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.

English still Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.

Poulsard

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.

Schiava

Schiava scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

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.

English still Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Schiava

Schiava scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Red Burgundy

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

California Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Douro red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Southern Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Barbera d’Alba

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Barbera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Gamay

curated

Gamay is Pinot’s offspring and grows next door in Beaujolais. Both are pale, high-acid, red-fruited and low in tannin.

Expect: Simpler and more overtly juicy, though Cru Beaujolais gets remarkably close to Burgundy for a fraction of the price.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Blaufränkisch

curated

A similarly high-acid, medium-bodied, savoury red from central Europe.

Expect: More peppery and darker-fruited, with firmer tannin.

Mavrud

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Aglianico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Red Burgundy

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Loire Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Southern Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.

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 Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.

Cava

Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Broad-leaved Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.

Poulsard

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.

Frühburgunder

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less oaky.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rioja

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rioja Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are pale, perfumed, high-acid reds that reward age and reveal their site.

Expect: Dramatically more tannic. Nebbiolo demands food and patience in a way Pinot does not.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Cru Beaujolais

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Chilean Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Blaufränkisch

curated

A similarly high-acid, medium-bodied, savoury red from central Europe.

Expect: More peppery and darker-fruited, with firmer tannin.

California Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Southern Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Uco Valley Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Nebbiolo

curated

Both are pale, perfumed, high-acid reds that reward age and reveal their site.

Expect: Dramatically more tannic. Nebbiolo demands food and patience in a way Pinot does not.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Blaufränkisch

curated

A similarly high-acid, medium-bodied, savoury red from central Europe.

Expect: More peppery and darker-fruited, with firmer tannin.

California Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Chilean Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Southern Rhône blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Naoussa Xinomavro

Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Xinomavro

Xinomavro scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Taurasi

Taurasi scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Chilean Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

California Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Cru Beaujolais

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Blaufränkisch

curated

A similarly high-acid, medium-bodied, savoury red from central Europe.

Expect: More peppery and darker-fruited, with firmer tannin.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Chilean Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

California Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

English still Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more restrained in fruit.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Red Burgundy

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

California Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.

Chilean Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Red Burgundy

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Cru Beaujolais

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

California Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Blaufränkisch

curated

A similarly high-acid, medium-bodied, savoury red from central Europe.

Expect: More peppery and darker-fruited, with firmer tannin.

Nerello Mascalese

curated

Etna’s Nerello Mascalese shares Pinot’s pale colour, high acidity, fine tannin and transparency to site.

Expect: More volcanic, ashy and savoury, with a firmer tannic frame.

Chilean Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

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.

Chilean Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Blaufränkisch

curated

A similarly high-acid, medium-bodied, savoury red from central Europe.

Expect: More peppery and darker-fruited, with firmer tannin.

Loire Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

How these are chosen

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.